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People with relatively mild obstructive sleep apnea may be able to reduce episodes by sleeping on their sides. To keep from rolling onto the back, the patient might sew a pocket on the back of his or her pajamas and place a ball into it. Another way to reduce symptoms is to use over-the-counter nasal strips.

Lifestyle changes can also help. Weight loss is the first lifestyle change that can improve sleep apnea. However, people who lose weight rapidly after weight loss surgery may still experience obstructive sleep apnea for up to a year. Other changes that can help include quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before going to sleep. Sleeping pills and tranquilizers should be avoided because they cause the throat tissue to sag, which inhibits breathing.

If lifestyle changes are ineffective, the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is called nasal continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP), in which a bedside machine delivers air continuously through a plastic mask over the nose. The predetermined air pressure acts as a splint to keep the airway open, while still allowing the person to exhale. CPAP is currently the most widely used treatment. However, although CPAP makes inhalation easier, it also makes exhalation more difficult and can lead to dryness in the mouth. Many people find the device inconvenient and obtrusive, which has led many patients to abandon its use.

This form of treatment can be applied using different delivery methods. For instance, an oral positive airway pressure machine delivers pressure through the mouth only. More recently, equipment has been introduced that senses a person’s need for pressure and delivers only what is required to keep the airway open. Other types of equipment deliver pressure gradually. The initial pressure is low to allow a person to fall asleep, and slowly rises to the full prescribed pressure.

Recent studies have found that using CPAP in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea improved heart failure and heart enlargement and decreased the overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Another study found CPAPs less helpful among patients with heart failure and central sleep apnea, the less common form of the condition. More studies need to be conducted to investigate the link between CPAP treatments, heart failure and heart enlargement. 

Surgery is also an option for some patients. One of the most common techniques is a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). In this procedure, a laser or surgical instruments are used to either remove or reduce the size of the uvula, tonsils and portions of the soft palate.

Other techniques and strategies include:

People can reduce their risk of sleep apnea (particularly obstructive sleep apnea) by reducing the factors that can lead to heart disease. Getting or staying in shape, quitting or refraining from smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption are all ways to reduce the risk.