What is the Number One Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

What is the number one treatment for sleep apnea and how can you get better sleep tonight? Sleep apnea is a serious health problem where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep and this happens because your throat muscles relax too much. When your airway closes, your brain has to wake you up so you can take a breath and this prevents you from getting the deep rest your body needs. Doctors and scientists agree that the most effective way to fix this problem is a machine called CPAP and this stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This machine is the top choice for doctors because it works for almost every person with obstructive sleep apnea and it starts working the very first night you use it.

Which device do doctors recommend most for sleep apnea?

Doctors recommend the CPAP machine as the number one treatment for sleep apnea. This device uses a small motor to blow a steady stream of air through a tube and into a mask that you wear over your nose or mouth. The air pressure acts like an invisible balloon inside your throat and it keeps the airway open so it cannot collapse while you sleep. Research from the Sleep Health Foundation shows that CPAP therapy is nearly 100 percent effective at stopping sleep apnea when a person wears the mask every night. This evidence proves that the machine keeps oxygen levels steady and it stops the heart from working too hard during the night.

Using a CPAP machine provides several immediate benefits for your health

It stops snoring completely because the airway stays wide open
It prevents daytime sleepiness and gives you more energy for school or work
It lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks
It improves your mood and helps you focus on tasks better

Why do some people struggle with the number one treatment?

Even though CPAP is the best treatment, many people find it hard to use and they look for other options. Some people feel trapped by the mask or they find the air pressure feels too strong against their face. Data from medical studies shows that about 30 percent to 50 percent of people stop using their CPAP machine within one year because they find it uncomfortable. This is a big problem because sleep apnea does not go away on its own and it needs a solution that a person can use every single night. If you cannot use a CPAP machine, you must talk to your dentist or doctor about other ways to keep your airway open.

Common complaints about CPAP machines include

The mask leaks air and makes a whistling noise
The skin on the face gets red or irritated from the straps
The nose feels dry or stuffy in the morning
The machine is bulky and hard to take on holidays

Can laser dentistry treat sleep apnea without a machine?

Laser dentistry is a modern treatment that can help people with snoring and mild sleep apnea and it does not require a mask or a machine. Dentists use a special laser called NightLase to warm up the tissues at the back of the throat. This heat causes the skin to tighten because it makes the body produce more collagen. When the tissues in the throat are tight, they do not vibrate or sag and this keeps the airway open while you sleep. A study in the Journal of the Laser and Health Academy found that over 80 percent of patients reported sleeping better after three laser sessions. This treatment is a great choice for people who want a permanent change to their throat instead of wearing a device every night. laser treatment

Laser treatment works differently than a machine because

The dentist uses the laser to target the soft palate and the uvula
The laser light is gentle and it does not require any needles or cutting
Each session takes about 20 to 30 minutes in the dental chair
Most people need three sessions over a period of two months to see the full results

What is a dental oral appliance for sleep apnea?

A dental oral appliance is another top treatment for sleep apnea and it looks like a mouthguard you might wear for sports. This device is custom made by a dentist to fit your teeth perfectly and it works by pulling your lower jaw forward. By moving the jaw just a few millimetres, the tongue moves away from the back of the throat and the airway stays open. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that oral appliances are a first line treatment for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are much easier to use than a CPAP machine because they are small and quiet and they do not need electricity to work.

Oral appliances offer several advantages for sleepers

They fit in a small case and are very easy to carry when you travel
They do not make any noise and this helps your partner sleep better too
You can drink water or speak while wearing some types of oral appliances
They do not require a mask or tubing around your head

How much do sleep apnea treatments cost in Australia?

The cost of sleep apnea treatment in Australia varies depending on which method you choose and your private health insurance plan. A basic CPAP machine usually costs between $1,000 and $2,000 AUD and you will also need to buy masks and filters every year. Oral appliances made by a dentist typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 AUD because they require special materials and custom fitting. Laser treatments like NightLase often cost around $600 to $800 AUD for each session and most people need three sessions for the best result. This means the total for laser treatment is about $1,800 to $2,400 AUD. While these prices seem high, they are an investment in your health and they prevent expensive hospital visits in the future.

Here is a breakdown of estimated costs in Australian Dollars

CPAP Machine and Mask Package, $1,200 to $2,500 AUD
Replacement CPAP Mask, $150 to $300 AUD
Custom Mandibular Advancement Device, $1,800 to $3,500 AUD
Full course of Laser Airway Tightening, $1,800 to $2,800 AUD

Does losing weight cure sleep apnea?

Losing weight is a powerful way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and it can sometimes cure the condition in certain people. When a person carries extra weight around their neck, the fat puts pressure on the airway and makes it more likely to close during sleep. Research from the Harvard Medical School shows that losing 10 percent of your body weight can significantly improve your airway space and reduce the number of times you stop breathing. However, weight loss alone does not always work because some people have narrow airways because of the shape of their jaw or their tonsils. You should always use medical treatments like CPAP or laser therapy while you work on your fitness and diet.

What happens if you do not treat sleep apnea?

Leaving sleep apnea untreated is very dangerous for your body and it can lead to life threatening problems. When you stop breathing, your oxygen levels drop and your heart has to pump much faster to keep you alive. This constant stress wears out the heart and the blood vessels over time. Evidence from the Mayo Clinic shows that people with untreated sleep apnea are much more likely to have a stroke or develop type 2 diabetes. It also makes you very tired during the day and this increases the risk of car accidents or mistakes at work. You must treat sleep apnea to protect your brain and your heart from these risks.

Long term risks of ignoring sleep apnea include

High blood pressure that is hard to control with medicine
Irregular heartbeats called atrial fibrillation
Liver problems and metabolic syndrome
Severe depression and anxiety caused by lack of sleep

How do you find out if you have sleep apnea?

The only way to know if you have sleep apnea is to have a sleep study and this is a test that records your breathing and heart rate while you sleep. You can do this test in a special sleep lab or you can sometimes do it at home with a portable kit. A doctor called a sleep specialist will look at the data from the test and they will count how many times you stop breathing every hour. If you stop breathing more than five times an hour, the doctor will say you have sleep apnea. Once you have this diagnosis, you can choose the treatment that fits your life best whether it is a CPAP machine or a visit to a laser dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea Treatments

Can I just sleep on my side to fix sleep apnea?

Sleeping on your side helps keep the tongue from falling back into the throat and it can reduce snoring. This is called positional therapy and it works for mild cases but it is rarely enough to fix moderate or severe sleep apnea. You should use side sleeping as an extra tool along with your main treatment like a CPAP or oral appliance.

Is surgery a good option for sleep apnea?

Doctors only recommend surgery if other treatments like CPAP or oral appliances do not work. Surgeons can remove the tonsils or move the jaw bone forward to make the airway bigger. Surgery is a big step and it has a longer recovery time than laser treatments or wearing a mask. Most people find success with non surgical options first.

Do children get sleep apnea too?

Yes, children can have sleep apnea and it is often caused by large tonsils or adenoids. If a child snores loudly or seems very tired during the day, they should see a doctor. Removing the tonsils often cures sleep apnea in children and helps them grow and learn better in school.

How long does it take for laser treatment to work?

Many people notice a difference after the very first laser session but the best results happen after the third session. The body needs time to build new collagen and tighten the throat tissue. The results usually last for about one year and then you might need a single touch up session to keep the airway firm.

What you should do next for better sleep

If you think you have sleep apnea, you should not wait to get help because your health is too important to ignore. Start by talking to your local doctor or a dentist who understands airway health. They can help you organize a sleep study and they can explain all the different treatments available in Australia. Whether you choose the number one treatment which is CPAP, or a modern laser option, the goal is to breathe clearly every night. When you fix your breathing, you will wake up with more energy and you will protect your heart for many years to come.