Sleep Apnea Treatment | Devices and the Right Alternatives for Each Case
How to get rid of insomnia in 7 evidence-based steps, including sleep restriction, plus the cases where the plan needs specialist supervision. Subat Clinics.
Sleep apnea treatment is no longer limited to a single option. While positive airway pressure devices remain the most studied and most widely used treatment, there are alternatives that suit some patients, from oral appliances to weight loss and surgery in specific cases.
Effective treatments help reduce breathing pauses, improve sleep and daytime alertness, and may contribute to lowering some of the health risks linked to the condition.
Choosing the right treatment, however, starts from one point: identifying the type of apnea, its severity, and the underlying cause.
How Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Begin?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and tissues of the upper airway relax during sleep, so the airway narrows or closes partially or completely despite continued effort to breathe.
Factors that increase the likelihood of this obstruction include:
A narrow airway, a large tongue, or a receded lower jaw.
Enlarged tonsils or nasal obstruction.
Excess weight and tissue accumulation around the neck.
Aging.
Sleeping on the back.
Alcohol or certain sedative medications.
There is another, different type: central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not send the proper signals to the breathing muscles. Its treatment differs from that of the obstructive type, so the two must be distinguished before choosing a plan.
This step starts with a sleep disorders consultation, where the consultant reviews symptoms and medical history and selects the appropriate test.
Does Anxiety Cause Sleep Apnea?
Anxiety does not directly cause obstructive sleep apnea, because the condition results primarily from narrowing of the airway during sleep. The relationship between the two can, however, appear in three directions.
Sleep Apnea May Cause Symptoms That Resemble Anxiety
Repeated awakenings and disturbed breathing may lead to palpitations, chest tightness, or waking with a feeling of panic. These are symptoms a patient may interpret as an anxiety attack.
Some Sedatives May Worsen the Condition
Certain anxiety medications and sleeping pills may increase relaxation of the airway muscles or increase drowsiness, so no medication should be started or stopped without consulting your doctor.
Anxiety May Interfere With Using the Pressure Device
Some patients find it hard to wear the mask because of a closed-in feeling or claustrophobia. This can be managed by building up use gradually, changing the mask type, and adjusting settings, rather than abandoning treatment.
If insomnia accompanies the apnea, the patient may need both problems treated in parallel through cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and anxiety.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed Before Treatment?
Sleep apnea treatment does not begin based on snoring or symptoms alone. It needs a medical assessment and a test that confirms the diagnosis.
The assessment includes examination of the nose, mouth, throat, and airway, and may include measuring blood pressure and neck circumference, and reviewing conditions and medications.
The appropriate type of sleep test is then selected.
Home Sleep Test
It records a set of indicators related to breathing, airflow, oxygen levels, and pulse rate. It suits some adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea after the doctor's assessment.
You can review the details of the home sleep test for obstructive sleep apnea and how it is carried out at home.
Advanced Sleep Test
It records additional indicators such as brain waves, sleep stages, and eye and leg movements, alongside breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
The doctor may recommend it if the case needs a more comprehensive assessment, if the home test result was unclear, or if another sleep disorder is suspected.
At Subat Clinics, the advanced sleep study can be carried out at the patient's home, with no need to stay overnight in a sleep lab.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices for Treating Sleep Apnea
A positive airway pressure device pushes air through a mask placed over the nose, or the nose and mouth, to help keep the airway open during sleep.
The device may reduce breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness and improve sleep quality in suitable patients.
CPAP device: delivers constant, continuous pressure throughout sleep, and it is among the most widely used devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
APAP device: adjusts the pressure level automatically within a range set by the doctor, according to changes in airway resistance during sleep. It may suit some patients when pressure needs vary with sleep position or sleep stage.
BPAP device: delivers one pressure level on inhaling and a different level on exhaling, and it is used in specific cases determined by the doctor.
The type of device should not be chosen based on price or expected comfort alone, but according to the sleep test result, the patient's health status, and the consultant's recommendation.
How Does Mask Choice Affect Treatment Success?
Many cases of not tolerating a pressure device are linked to the mask, its size, or air leaking, rather than to the device itself.
Mask types include:
Nasal pillows: small in size and leave the field of vision open.
Nasal mask: covers the nose and may suit many users.
Full face mask: covers the nose and mouth, and may suit people who breathe through the mouth or have persistent difficulty breathing through the nose.
Sizes differ between types and brands, so using a particular size in one mask does not mean it will be the same size in another.
A humidifier may help reduce dryness of the nose and throat, while air leaking or difficulty exhaling needs a review of the size and the device settings.
Are Oral Appliances an Alternative to the Pressure Device?
Oral appliances may be an option for some mild or moderate sleep apnea cases, or for some patients who cannot use a pressure device, following the doctor's assessment.
These appliances work by advancing the lower jaw or holding the tongue in a position that helps keep the airway open.
For them to succeed, they should:
Be custom-fitted by a specialist experienced in dental sleep medicine appliances.
Be followed up to confirm their effectiveness.
Have their possible effects on the jaw, teeth, and bite reviewed.
There are also devices that rely on electrical stimulation of the tongue muscles, but they suit specific cases and are not a general alternative to a pressure device in moderate or severe cases. The doctor determines their suitability, particularly when implanted medical devices are present.
Does Weight Loss Help in Treating Sleep Apnea?
Weight loss may help reduce the severity of sleep apnea in patients with excess weight or obesity, because it reduces the tissue surrounding the airway and improves some other health indicators.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved tirzepatide for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is important to note, however, that this treatment:
Does not suit every patient.
Requires a prescription and a medical assessment.
Does not necessarily mean the pressure device can be abandoned.
Differs in availability and registration from one country to another.
Requires reassessment of the apnea after weight loss.
Weight loss medications should therefore not be used to treat sleep apnea without medical supervision.
When Is Surgery an Option?
Surgery is not the first option for most patients, but it may suit selected cases when there is a clear anatomical cause, or when other treatments are not suitable for the patient.
Possible options include:
Removing excess tissue from the back of the mouth and throat.
Removing the tonsils or adenoids when they are enlarged.
Correcting some nasal or septal problems.
Advancing the jaws to widen the space behind the tongue.
Implanting a device to stimulate the nerve controlling tongue movement in selected patients.
Bariatric surgery when significant obesity is present.
A tracheostomy is used only in severe and rare cases, when other options have failed and the condition is life-threatening.
If the apnea is accompanied by asthma, chest allergy, or an obstructive lung condition, the patient may need a pulmonology consultation in parallel with treating the sleep disorder.
Daily Steps That Support Treatment
These steps are not a substitute for the prescribed treatment, but they may help improve its results:
Lose weight if you have excess weight.
Exercise regularly according to your health status.
Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.
Review sedatives and sleeping pills with your doctor.
Sleep on your side if events increase when sleeping on your back.
Treat nasal congestion in the way your doctor recommends.
Use the device every night as instructed.
Relying on changing sleep position or losing weight alone is not advisable in moderate or severe cases without medical follow-up.
When Should You See the Doctor After Starting Treatment?
Contact the medical team if:
Sleepiness while driving or loss of focus behind the wheel continues — the highest priority for assessment.
Snoring or daytime sleepiness continues despite adherence to treatment.
Snoring returns after it had stopped.
The mask causes leaking, pain, or clear marks on the face.
You feel severe dryness, or bloating and stomach discomfort.
The air pressure becomes uncomfortable.
Your weight changes noticeably, up or down.
A large change in weight may call for reassessment of the device settings or of the need for treatment, but it does not mean stopping the device on your own.
Some follow-ups, and discussion of mask problems or pressure settings, can be handled through an online sleep disorders consultation.
Why Choose Subat Clinics for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
At Subat Clinics in Riyadh, the treatment journey starts with diagnosis before any device is prescribed or treatment chosen.
The patient journey includes:
Assessment by a consultant in pulmonary medicine and sleep medicine.
Choosing the right type of sleep test.
Carrying out the simplified or advanced test at the patient's home.
Results ready within 3 working days.
Results read and explained by the consultant.
Choosing the right device or treatment.
Following up on mask, pressure, and adaptation problems.
Early follow-up helps address the problems that may push a patient to stop using the device, such as leaking, dryness, or an unsuitable mask.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Write down the symptoms you experience and your sleep times.
Ask your bed partner what they notice during your sleep, and it is better if they attend with you.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Bring the results of any tests or a previous sleep study.
Write down your questions before the appointment.
Conclusion
Untreated sleep apnea may affect sleep quality, alertness, and concentration, and it is linked to health risks that need assessment.
Effective sleep apnea treatment does not start with trying a random device, but with a diagnosis that identifies the type of case, its severity, and the option that suits it best.
Book Your Appointment at Subat Clinics
Start with a specialized consultation to identify the type and severity of your case, then choose the right treatment based on the test result.
📍 Othman Bin Affan Road, Al Taawun District, Riyadh 12477
🕔 Sunday to Wednesday, 5 to 9 PM
📞 0112011100
💬 WhatsApp: 0505999713
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: Obstructive Sleep Apnea — Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep Medicine in Health and Disease — University Sleep Disorders Center, King Saud University
This content is for health awareness purposes and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Do not start or stop any treatment without consulting your doctor.
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Ahmed Alruhaimi — Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Medicine, Subat Clinics.
Last reviewed: sep 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea be treated permanently?
Some cases may improve or resolve after treating a correctable cause, such as enlarged tonsils or significant weight loss. In other cases, the patient needs ongoing management to keep the airway open during sleep.
What is the difference between CPAP and APAP?
CPAP delivers a fixed pressure, while APAP changes the pressure automatically within a set range according to airway resistance. The doctor determines the suitable type based on the test result and health status.
Can I sleep without the device for a night or two?
Breathing disturbances usually return when the device is not used, because it works while it is worn and does not treat the airway permanently. Using it every night as instructed is therefore advised.
Does a pressure device cause dependence?
The device does not cause drug or physiological dependence. It works mechanically to help keep the airway open while it is being used.
Are throat muscle exercises enough?
Some exercises may help in selected cases or in reducing snoring, but they are not a substitute for the prescribed treatment in moderate or severe cases.
What should I do if the patient refuses the device after a week?
Reviewing the mask type and size, air leaking, pressure settings, and the humidifier is advised before stopping, because many early problems can be managed.
Does treatment help improve blood pressure?
Treating sleep apnea may help improve some health indicators and blood pressure in some patients, but the outcome varies with the severity of the case, coexisting conditions, and adherence to treatment.