The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is the nightly use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and, in very rare cases, surgery to create more room in the throat. Your best treatment option will depend on your level of sleep apnoea (as determined by your sleep study), other risk factors, and your current lifestyle.

Treatment for mild sleep apnoea

Some mild cases of sleep apnoea respond well to lifestyle changes. Many lifestyle factors that contribute to your risk of developing sleep apnoea, can be altered to reduce its impact and sometimes reverse the condition. Your treating doctor or pharmacist may recommend that you:

·       Reduce your alcohol intake.

·        Stop smoking or vaping.

·        Lose weight if you are overweight or tend to hold weight around your neck area.

·        Treat any underlying problems, including allergic nasal congestions or other medical conditions, that are causing or contributing to your sleep apnoea.

·        Review your other medications, especially anti-anxiety or sleeping pills that could increase muscle relaxation. Your pharmacist can help you with a medication review.

·        Change your sleep position to your side or raise your head.

·        Avoid food and drink that may cause reflux making sleep apnoea worse. 

In more severe cases, lifestyle changes are still important and complement other treatment options to reduce the impact of sleep apnoea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines

CPAP machines treat sleep apnoea by providing continuous positive airway pressure, which, when set correctly for you, prevents the airway from collapsing while you sleep, regardless of the cause. 

Many consider the CPAP machine to be the gold standard for treating sleep apnoea because:

1.      It works (in most instances) regardless of the cause or contributing factors.

2.      It’s non-invasive and does not require surgery.

3.      Modern CPAP machines automatically adjust as we age, change, or grow to meet our changing needs. 

A CPAP machine comprises of an air pump and mask joined by a tube. Before you go to sleep, you attach the mask to your face according to the machine’s instructions. Then, while you sleep, the pump uses a low pressure to pump air through the tubing and mask to hold your airway open. The level of air pressure required varies from minute to minute and hour to hour and the machine will adjust automatically. 

Once known as being loud and uncomfortable, CPAP machines have come a long way in the last few years. Now CPAP machines are extremely quiet (particularly when compared to the snoring that they replace), and a wide variety of mask options provide a comfortable solution for most people. If you find your CPAP machine uncomfortable or challenging to get used to, speak to your pharmacist about alternative masks or machines that might better meet your needs. 

A full CPAP setup may cost $2000-$2500 and can take a little getting used to, but most people not only get used to it; they get their life back through improved sleep quality. In some cases the results and improvements are instant, happening after one night of treatment. 

Some private health insurance policies provide cover towards CPAP machines. Check with yours before you finalise your purchase. 

Surgical and other options to treat sleep apnoea 

If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your sleep apnoea, and you are one of the few who cannot tolerate the CPAP machine, there are alternative treatments to consider: 

Oral appliances

Some mild cases of sleep apnoea respond to specially made oral appliances (also used for snoring). These are a good option the position of your jaw contributes to your sleep apnoea as they push the lower jaw forward, opening the airway and reducing the chance of obstruction. 

Surgery

Usually the last resort treatment for sleep apnoea if other options have not worked, your GP can refer you to a sleep specialist or ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) who can advise whether surgery may work for you. 

Mouth and throat exercises

In addition to regular physical exercise, there are growing reports that specialised mouth and throat exercises (myofunctional therapy) can improve sleep apnoea in mild cases. A speech pathologist, sleep specialist or dental expert with an interest in sleep apnoea may be able to assist if you would like to explore this option. 

The importance of treating your sleep apnoea 

Left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase your risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and depression. Effectively treating sleep apnoea reduces your chances of these longer-term health complications, and higher-quality sleep will improve your quality of life through better energy and mood. 

If you think you may have sleep apnoea, visit your local Capital Chemist today and ask about our diagnostic sleep studies and CPAP treatment options.