If you’ve been prescribed CPAP for sleep apnea and struggled to make it work, you’re not alone. Many people find CPAP uncomfortable, disruptive, or simply difficult to use consistently night after night. Mask discomfort, air leaks, noise, and claustrophobia are among the most common reasons people stop using it.
The good news: CPAP is the most well-studied treatment for sleep apnea, but it is far from the only one. At Sleep Health & Wellness, PLLC, we believe that finding the right treatment means finding the one you can actually stick with. We take the time to understand your situation and discuss all of the options that may be appropriate for you.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult with Dr. Tovar-Torres to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
CPAP therapy is highly effective when used consistently. The challenge is that consistent use is harder than it sounds. Common reasons people struggle include:
If any of these sound familiar, it does not mean CPAP will never work for you, but it does mean it’s worth exploring what else might be a better fit. That conversation starts with a thorough evaluation.
Oral appliances are custom-fitted mouthguards, made by a dental specialist, that reposition the jaw and tongue during sleep to keep the airway open. They are small, portable, and do not require electricity or a mask.
Oral appliances may be a good fit for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP. They are not appropriate for everyone, and we coordinate with a qualified dental provider when this option is pursued.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: Genio® Therapy or Inspire® Therapy?
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is an implantable device that works with your body’s natural breathing. A small device is placed under the skin during an outpatient procedure, and it delivers mild stimulation to the airway muscles during sleep to keep the throat open.
This is one of the advanced treatment options we offer at Sleep Health & Wellness, PLLC, and it is not commonly available at general practices. It is FDA-approved for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have not had success with CPAP. Candidacy is determined through a careful evaluation process.
Phrenic Nerve Stimulation (for Central Sleep Apnea)
For patients with central sleep apnea, where the problem is a communication issue between the brain and the muscles that control breathing, phrenic nerve stimulation may be an option. This implantable therapy stimulates the nerve that activates the diaphragm, helping restore a regular breathing pattern during sleep.
Central sleep apnea requires a different approach than obstructive sleep apnea, and not all sleep practices have experience managing it. This is an area of focus at our practice.
Emerging Medical Therapies
Research into medication-based approaches to sleep apnea is ongoing. Some patients with obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea may see improvements in sleep apnea severity with weight loss, including through newer medication options. This is an evolving area of medicine, and we stay current on the evidence to discuss what may be relevant for you.
Positional Therapy
Some people experience sleep apnea primarily or only when sleeping on their back. For these patients, positional therapy, which involves training or devices to encourage side sleeping, may reduce or control symptoms. Your provider can help determine whether sleep position is a contributing factor based on your sleep study results.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Approaches
Certain lifestyle factors can worsen sleep apnea or make treatment less effective. Depending on your situation, your provider may discuss:
These are not standalone cures for sleep apnea, but they can meaningfully support the effectiveness of your primary treatment. Your provider will discuss what applies to your situation.
Surgical Options
In some cases, structural issues in the nose, throat, or jaw contribute to sleep apnea, and surgical intervention may be appropriate. We work with surgical specialists when this path is being considered and can help coordinate that care. Surgery is typically explored after other options have been evaluated.
Not a dentist or GP, but a physician who specializes exclusively in sleep disorders.
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If a sleep study is needed, you can complete it in the comfort of your own bed rather than spending a night in a sleep lab.
It depends on severity. For mild to moderate cases, alternatives can be equally effective. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP remains most reliable, though Inspire and GLP-1 medications show excellent results for many patients.
Coverage varies. Medicare covers Inspire and now covers Zepbound for sleep apnea. Many plans cover oral appliances after documented CPAP failure. Our team can verify your coverage.
Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous. Don’t just stop — schedule a consultation to explore alternatives. Going without treatment increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and accidents.
You still have options. Inspire is approved for moderate to severe apnea. GLP-1 medications can significantly reduce severity. Combination therapy may be appropriate.
