Treatments

 
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is comprised of a machine that delivers positive air flow typically through a nasal mask that is worn during sleep.  This device is highly effective for most patients and is the “gold standard” in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  However, some patients experience uncomfortable side effects related to use of their CPAP equipment or have problems with air leaking through their mouth.  Some patients can’t tolerate CPAP due to claustrophobia.  The use of CPAP is commonly covered by major insurance companies.
 
CPAP Pro ® This device was invented to eliminate the use of the typical headgear associated with CPAP.  An oral appliance is made to fit on the patient’s teeth and then “nasal pillows” are attached to the mouth piece.  This eliminates the need for headgear and allows for much greater freedom of movement when sleeping.  This solution is available in completely custom and non-custom models.
 
 
SURGERY

Surgery is rarely used for the treatament of obstructive sleep apnea. 

When there is a problem with the nasal airway, such as deviated septum or nasal polyps, nasal surgery may be used to help the patient use CPAP better.  Surgery to the palate has been used with some success in the treatment of snoring but has had less success in the treatment of sleep apnea.

In some very severe cases surgery called “bimaxillary advancement” is performed.  This surgery involves the surgical moving of the upper and lower jaw forward to create more room in the airway.  Although this may sound extreme, it is usually very effective.  This procedure is actually done routinely for cosmetic reasons and in those cases is referred to as “orthognathic surgery.”

The “last hope” surgical procedure is tracheostomy.  Tracheostomy bypasses the colapsible part of the airway by surgically placing a tube through the throat into the trachea.  With this surgery the sleep apnea is eliminated.  Obviously this surgery is reserved for the most extreme cases.