Sleep Apnea Cures

While there are several sleep apnea cures, the choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the case. In cases of mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight may solve the problem. For a more serious case of sleep apnea, devices that open up the airways might be of some help or surgery may be required. The following are some obstructive sleep apnea cures.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices
There are various sleep apnea treatment devices available, let's take a look at some of the most effective one's that can help if not cure, then at least control the problem of sleep apnea.

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): For people suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea, the CPAP may provide relief. It is machine that provides air through a mask that you place over your nose in the nights. The CPAP is effective in keeping the upper airway passages open, as the air is delivered with a little pressure. However, it is not very comfortable and may take some getting used to. Read more on full face masks for sleep apnea treatment.
• Adjustable Airway Pressure Devices: There are other airway pressure devices that one can try if they aren't able to adjust to CPAP. You could pick a device that automatically adjusts pressure while the person is sleeping, or one that supplies bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) i.e., more pressure when inhaling and less when exhaling.
• Oral Appliances: These appliances work to keep your throat open while you sleep. Some function by bringing the jaw forward, which may stop snoring and solve the problem of mild obstructive sleep apnea. Check with your dentist for these device options, and you may need to try a few to find the one that works best. A number of devices are available with your dentist. You may need to try different devices before finding one that works for you. Remember to follow-up with your doctor at least once in six months to make sure the device still fits well, and for an assessment of your condition.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Surgery
Surgery carried out for curing sleep apnea provides a solution by removing excess tissue from the nose or throat that may be vibrating or blocking the upper air passages. Some of your surgical options are:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure involves the removal of tissue from the back of the mouth and top of the throat. During this procedure, it is likely that your tonsils and adenoids will be removed as well. This surgery usually provides an effective solution to snoring by stopping the throat structures from vibrating, but if the root of the problem is tissue that lie further down your throat, then the condition is likely to persist.
• Maxillomandibular Advancement: During this surgery, the upper and lower parts of the jaw are moved ahead of the remainder of the face bones. This creates more space behind the tongue and soft palate, thus reducing the possibility of obstruction. This procedure is usually performed by an oral surgeon and an orthodontist, and may include another procedure to improve a patient's chances of being cured.
• Tracheostomy: This course of action is likely to be followed only if a person is suffering from severe, life-threatening sleep apnea and has failed to respond to other sleep apnea cures. During the surgery, an incision is made in the neck, through which a metal or plastic tube is inserted for breathing. This opening is usually kept covered during the day, and uncovered during the night to allow air to pass in and out of the lungs, circumventing the blocked air passages.

Other sleep apnea cures are laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, where lasers are used to remove tissue from the back of the throat and radiofrequency ablation where the same is performed using radiofrequency energy. However, these treatments are carried out in conjunction with other obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Natural sleep apnea cures, such as losing weight, sleeping on one's side and avoiding alcohol and certain medications should be tried, but not as sole solutions. While alternative cures for sleep apnea have not been studied well, one may try options, such as acupuncture in conjunction with formal treatments.