CPAP is the most effective treatment for moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea, but not everyone can use it every night. If you have been told you have sleep apnoea and CPAP is not working for you, or your sleep apnoea is mild, there are other options — and the right one depends on your sleep study, your airway and your health. Our sleep physicians will talk you through them.
First, give CPAP a fair go
Most CPAP problems can be fixed: a different mask, a heated humidifier, a lower starting pressure, treating a blocked nose, or simply more time. Bring your machine or its data card to your appointment and we can see how it is working and adjust it. The Sleep Health Foundation’s sheet CPAP: making it work for you is a good start.
Oral appliances (mandibular advancement splints)
A custom-made mouthguard worn at night holds the lower jaw slightly forward and keeps the airway open. It suits many people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, with snoring, or who cannot tolerate CPAP. After your sleep physician confirms you are a suitable candidate, the appliance is made and fitted by a dentist experienced in dental sleep medicine, and a follow-up sleep study checks that it is controlling your sleep apnoea. Oral appliances are less effective than CPAP for severe sleep apnoea and need your teeth and jaw joints to be in good condition.
Positional therapy
Some people only have sleep apnoea when they lie on their back. If your sleep study shows this, a positional device that gently prevents back-sleeping can be enough on its own or alongside another treatment.
Weight, alcohol and sleep habits
Losing weight reduces sleep apnoea for many people, sometimes enough to stop needing treatment after reassessment by their sleep physician. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives in the evening, treating nasal blockage, and keeping regular sleep hours all help.
Surgery
Surgery on the nose, palate, tonsils or jaw helps selected patients, particularly when there is a clear blockage. It is arranged through an ear, nose and throat surgeon after assessment by your sleep physician. Newer options such as upper-airway stimulation are available only in selected cases.
What to do next
- Ask your GP for a referral to one of our sleep physicians, or upload the referral you already have. First appointments are in person at any of our five clinics.
- Your sleep physician will advise whether you need a sleep study and which type is appropriate. Eligible home sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral. If you have already had a sleep study, bring the report.
- Your physician recommends the treatment that fits your results and follows you up until it is working.
Not sure whether you have sleep apnoea? Take our three-minute sleep apnoea questionnaire. Read more about obstructive sleep apnoea and treatment options from the Sleep Health Foundation.