Sleep Apnea Cure

We are going to look at three of the main cures for sleep apnea.

Sometimes lifestyle changes can help with sleep apnea if the problem is not too severe.

Failing that there are a number of masks and oral appliances which what help to keep the airways open.

The other option is surgery and again there are a few different surgical procedures that can help.

Lifestyle Changes.

Sleep apnea can be brought on by excessive weight, and a reduction of weight can help to relieve sleep apnea if the problem is mainly associated with weight.

Smoking can also cause sleep apnea and like excessive weight, if the smoking is the cause of the sleep apnea then giving up smoking will help to resolve the problem.

But if sleep apnea is not caused by smoking or being too heavy and if the condition is causing other problems the one of the other treatments might be needed.

Sleep Apnea Mask

There are various types of sleep apnea mask available and most of them work in the same way.

These masks are known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices.

These masks use a small air blower device connected via a hose to a mask you wear while you sleep. The mask and apparatus then blows air into your nose to keep your airway from collapsing as is what happens during a sleep apnea attack. Although they look a bit strange most people get used to using them quickly and soon see the benefits.

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance.

An oral (or dental) appliance is a small device that's very similar to an orthodontic retainer. It's worn in the mouth while sleeping to help prevent soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some of the devices hold the lower jaw forward during sleep, while other appliances directly affect tongue position.

These appliances are good for some forms of sleep apnea and sufferers often find them a lot less intrusive then the mask option.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

There are also a number of surgical procedures that can be carried out to help with sleep apnea.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty removes excess tissue in the throat to make the airway wider. It is the most common surgery to treat sleep apnea in adults.
Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy removes the tonsils and/or the adenoids. It is an option if you have enlarged tonsils and adenoids that are blocking your airway during sleep.
Tracheostomy creates a hole in the windpipe (trachea). A tube is then put in the hole to bring air in. Doctors rarely use this surgery because it may cause other health problems. But when other techniques have failed, almost all people who are treated with tracheostomy will be cured of their sleep apnea.

These are the main options for the treatment and cure of sleep apnea.