July 15, 2026
The traditional way to treat sleep apnea is with a CPAP machine that uses a constant stream of pressurized air to keep your upper airway open throughout the night. However, some people find CPAP to be too noisy or uncomfortable, causing them to drop the treatment. If you don’t want to have to use a CPAP machine, it’s worth exploring other ways to get your sleep disorder under control. Below is a closer look at 3 alternative treatment options for sleep apnea.
If you have a mild or moderate case of sleep apnea, it may be possible to treat the problem with an oral appliance. Wearing this device while you’re asleep will help you maintain an open airway throughout the night, thereby making you less likely to experience breathing interruptions.
There are actually several types of oral appliances to choose from. Some work by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. Others hold the tongue in place in order to prevent it from falling back and blocking the throat. A sleep apnea dentist can walk you through your options and help you figure out which kind of appliance is the best fit for your unique situation.
Obesity and sleep apnea are often closely linked. When you’re overweight, excessive fatty tissue in your throat can increase your risk of experiencing an airway obstruction while you’re asleep. As such, losing weight can often go a long way toward making sleep apnea symptoms less severe. Changing your diet and exercising more often can be effective weight loss strategies. You can also talk to your regular physician to see if they have any recommendations for ways to reduce your body weight.
Did you know that sleeping on your back can make sleep apnea more severe? In this position, the force of gravity can easily cause your tongue to fall back toward the throat and block the airway. Thus, if you’re looking for ways to manage your sleep apnea, training yourself to sleep on your side can make a big difference. One way to do so is to attach a tennis ball to the back of your sleeping clothes in order to prevent yourself from rolling over during the night.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep apnea; certain treatments may be more effective for some patients than others. If you speak to a sleep apnea dentist or sleep physician, they can point you toward the treatment option that’s best suited for helping you get a better night’s sleep.
At GoTo Sleep Center Glendale, our team of sleep doctors is dedicated to helping patients manage their sleep apnea so that they can enjoy healthier lives and more restful nights. We offer a wide range of oral appliances that can help patients manage sleep-disordered breathing without the need for a CPAP machine. If you’re looking for a way to get sleep apnea under control, you can schedule an appointment at our practice by visiting our website or calling (623) 299-8799.
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