There are more ways to treat sleep apnea than most people realize. Here's a plain-language look at each one, so you and your doctor can find what bfits your life best.
Small changes to your day can help you breathe better at night. Losing extra weight, drinking less alcohol before bed, and not taking sleep medicine can all help. This works best for mild apnea, but it can help any level.
N/A
Some people only have trouble when they sleep on their back. A special belt, pillow, or small buzzing device helps you stay on your side. It only helps if your breathing is much worse on your back.
Rarely Covered
This is the most common way to treat sleep apnea. A small machine blows gentle air through a mask you wear. The air keeps your airway open so you can breathe all night. Doctors often try this first.
Covered by most plans
A BiPAP is a lot like a CPAP and also blows air through a mask. But it pushes more air in when you breathe in, and less when you breathe out. Some people find this easier to use.
Covered by most plans
This is a guard you wear in your mouth at night. A dentist makes it just for you. It holds your lower jaw forward a little, which keeps your throat open so you can breathe. It can help with severe apnea if you cannot use a CPAP.
Sometimes Covered
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable that has been approved for sleep apnea. It reduces apneas by helping people lose weight. Other weight-loss shots like Wegovy and Ozempic can also be used to similar effect. Zepbound is only for people who have apnea and need to lose weight. A pill-based medication called AD109 may become available soon.
Rarely Covered
In a short surgery, a doctor puts a small device under your skin near your collarbone. While you sleep, it gives tiny nudges to a nerve in your tongue, which keeps your tongue from blocking your throat. You turn it on with a remote at bedtime. This is often used when CPAP does not work for a patient.
Sometimes Covered
A doctor can do surgery to open up your airway. Some surgeries take out or move soft tissue in your throat, like the tonsils. A bigger surgery moves your jaw forward. The best choice depends on your body and how bad your apnea is.
Sometimes Covered
