Sleep Apnea Treatments: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Sleep Apnea Treatments?
A sleep doctor, a doctor who treats sleep problems, helps guide sleep apnea treatment. A dentist can fit you with an oral device if you choose one. An ear, nose, and throat doctor checks your airway before a nerve stimulation device is implanted. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Sleep apnea treatment keeps your airway open while you sleep so your breathing does not stop. Obstructive sleep apnea happens because of narrowed or blocked airways. Central sleep apnea is a different sleep disorder.
The treatments below are for obstructive sleep apnea.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that needs to be treated. Daytime sleepiness from sleep apnea can raise the risk of car crashes. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea may lead to or worsen heart disease.
How to prepare
Common steps before treatment include the following.
- A sleep study confirms sleep apnea and can be done at home or in a sleep lab.
- Your provider takes your medical history and checks your mouth, neck, and throat.
What happens during it
Your plan may include any combination of these treatments.
- Healthy lifestyle changes include regular physical activity, a healthy weight, less alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking.
- A CPAP machine uses a steady stream of air to keep your airway open through the night.
- CPAP is short for continuous positive airway pressure.
- You wear a mask over your nose, or over your nose and mouth, while you sleep.
- Oral devices, also called oral appliances, are placed in the mouth to prevent blocked airways while you sleep.
- One type covers the upper and lower teeth and holds the lower jaw in place.
- Another type holds the tongue forward so it cannot block the upper airway.
- A weight loss medicine is approved for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and obesity.
- This medicine is injected under the skin.
- Surgery can remove tissue from your mouth and throat to make your upper airway larger.
- Nerve stimulation can keep your airways open by stimulating the nerve under your tongue.
- A device is implanted under the skin of your chest and connects to the nerve in your mouth.
Recovery
It can take some time to get used to sleeping with CPAP therapy. Good follow-up and support from a sleep center can help you overcome any problems using CPAP.
Contact your provider if your symptoms do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop. If you have stomach discomfort or bloating, stop using your PAP machine and contact your healthcare provider.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop. Also call 911 for chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.
Risks and side effects
Side effects of a PAP machine may include congestion, dry eyes or mouth, nosebleeds, or a runny nose. The weight loss medicine may cause serious side effects in some cases. Surgery may not completely cure obstructive sleep apnea and may have long-term side effects.
Who performs it
A sleep doctor may work with other members of the sleep team. The team can include dentists, psychologists, physician assistants, nurses, and technologists.
Common questions
What is the most common treatment for sleep apnea?
A PAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP is the frontline treatment for sleep apnea and is recommended for most patients.
Can I use something other than a CPAP machine?
Yes, your provider may prescribe an oral device if you do not want to use or cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
When is surgery used for sleep apnea?
Surgery is often a last resort if other treatments did not work and you have severe symptoms. There are surgical options if CPAP or an oral device does not work for you.
Is there a medicine for sleep apnea?
Yes, a weight loss medicine is approved for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and obesity. In December 2024 the FDA approved tirzepatide (Zepbound) to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Sleep Apnea Treatment
- MedlinePlus - Obstructive sleep apnea - adults
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine - Sleep Education: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
