How Sleep Apnea Is Treated
There are several ways to treat sleep apnea. The treatment recommendation will be based on the type of sleep apnea you have and the severity of your condition. Your healthcare provider may want you to do a follow-up sleep study after you begin your treatment to make sure your sleep apnea is well managed. One or more of the following treatment options may be recommended.
Managing Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, you and your healthcare provider will want to work together to determine how best to manage your condition. Effective treatment should help you to feel more alert, rested and have a decrease in other symptoms such as snoring and nighttime wakefulness. Even if you don’t feel an improvement in your sleep, it’s important to continue your sleep apnea treatment for your overall health.
It is important to use your breathing device or oral appliance as it was prescribed, but it may take you a while to adjust. If you are having a hard time getting used to your breathing device, or if you are still having symptoms after treatment, contact your healthcare provider. There are many types of masks, and it may take a couple of different tries to find the best fit for you.
If you use a breathing device to treat sleep apnea, you need to regularly clean the device and replace the supplies. Many of the breathing device machines store information about how well they are working, track the amount of time the device is used, provide data on if the mask leaks and more. You can review this information with your healthcare provider during regularly scheduled visits. If you use an oral appliance, keep it clean and follow up with a sleep specialist and a dentist as it may cause your teeth to shift.
If you had surgery to treat sleep apnea, you may need a follow-up sleep study to make sure your sleep apnea has improved. You also may need to repeat a sleep study if you gain or lose weight. Over time, scar tissue or relaxation of your muscles can cause sleep apnea to return, so keep your healthcare provider informed about any sleep symptoms you experience.
Living with Sleep Apnea Important Tips
- Sleep apnea can increase your risk of complications when having surgery even if it is well managed because you are following your treatment plan. Be sure to tell your provider that you have sleep apnea and how it is being treated so that extra steps can be taken if needed to ensure your airway stays open during surgery.
- Untreated sleep apnea can result in decreased alertness and sleepiness during wakeful hours resulting in an increased risk when driving. Do not drive when you are feeling tired or less alert.
- Follow the treatment plan that you and your healthcare provider established for the best possible outcomes. Go to all regularly scheduled appointments to make sure your plan continues to meet your needs.
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: July 17, 2025