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It’s a little-known fact that the severity of a person’s sleep apnea determines what kind of treatment they need. In this article, you will learn which treatment you need – whether you have mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea.

Treatments for Mild Sleep Apnea

Many people with obstructive sleep apnea will experience only mild symptoms. The obstructions in breathing are due to physical blocks and restrictions in the airway. This is often caused by problems in the throat, or the tongue falling back.

Those who suffer from this form of sleep apnea are advised to make simple lifestyle changes. Excess fat around the neck can restrict the airflow in the throat. Losing even a small weight of 10 pounds can remove the symptoms.

Another lifestyle change prescribed is stopping the intake of central nervous system inhibitors or relaxants. This includes alcohol and certain medicines like pain killers, sleeping aids and the like. They tend to relax the jaw and throat more than usual.

Studies also show that staying off the back during sleep also treats mild sleep apnea. This can be done by using deterrents that prevent the sufferer pain from rolling on their back. Specially designed pillows make it more comfortable for people to sleep on their sides or backs. They typically cradle the head and provide additional space for the arm to be stretched upward.

Treatments for Moderate Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatments for moderate cases usually involve devices that help keep the breathing normal during sleep. One of the most popular is the CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It fits over the mouth and nose to provide a constant stream of air. It makes sure that even if the wearer has a restricted passage, the oxygen intake remains steady.

Other CPAP alternatives include mouth guards and head gears. Instead of pushing air in, they try to make sure the passageway is clear. It readjusts the jaw or keeps the tongue from falling into the throat. These devices can be altered according to the wearer’s specifications.

Treatments for Severe Sleep Apnea

For severe cases, sleep apnea treatments become more complicated. A different form of the disorder may cause these symptoms. Central sleep apnea is caused by lapses in the brain. Treatment of this neurological problem may be necessary to remove the problem.

Severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be treated via surgery. Most of these change the position of the mouth and the airway to permanently reduce the probability of restrictions. Examples of surgical procedures for severe sleep apnea include: 

The Maxillomandibular Advancement procedure, which moves both the upper and lower jaws forward.

The Hyoid Suspension procedure, which reduces the size of the hyoid bone. This bone is found at the neck, and is attached to the tongue, muscles and soft tissue of the throat.

Uvulapalatopharyngoplasty (UVVV) is performed only when the problem is caused by a collapse in the soft palate. It involves the removal of the uvula and a reduction in the edge of the palate.

The Genioglossus Advancement procedure adjusts and tightens the front tongue tendon and is often performed in tandem with the other sleep apnea surgeries.