If you have sleep apnea, you probably know that there are two main ways to handle the condition: surgery and respiratory supplies. Each method comes with its own set of pros and cons, meaning that there's no right answer - only the right answer for you. But regardless of your circumstances, it's important to discuss surgery and CPAP respiratory supplies with your doctor and educate yourself as thoroughly as possible.

CPAP Masks and Machines

Respiratory supplies are most doctors' first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea. The most basic respiratory supplies for sleep apnea are CPAP masks and machines. CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, describes the technology present in most sleep apnea machines, which keeps the airway open by providing a stream of air during inhalation. Alternatively, BiPAP respiratory supplies push air both in and out to support inhalation and exhalation. CPAP machines are available in all shapes and sizes. Some are portable and light, while others include built-in humidifiers to relieve irritation. These devices were once notorious for keeping patients awake, but modern CPAP machines have been specially designed to run quietly. Plus, sleep apnea patients can invest in flexible tubing in a variety of lengths to further customize their CPAP experiences.

For patients, CPAP masks offer even more variety. The three most common kinds of CPAP masks are full-face masks, nasal masks, and nasal prongs. Full-face CPAP masks provide air to both the nose and mouth, making them ideal for sleep apnea patients that breathe through the mouth. Alternatively, nasal masks only send air into the nose. Nasal prongs work the same way while providing less coverage for increased comfort.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

A last resort for most patients, sleep apnea surgery typically involves a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), where a surgeon trims throat tissue to widen the airway. Surgery might seem like a one-time solution for sleep apnea patients, however this is usually not the case. The procedure has not been thoroughly studied, but some data indicates a low success rate between 25 and 30 percent. Plus, even successful patients often require CPAP machines and masks for further assistance, and all patients (successful or not) have to participate in post-surgery sleep studies to monitor the effects of the procedure.

Since sleep apnea is sometimes caused by being overweight or obese, bariatric surgery for weight loss can sometimes improve the condition over an extended period of time. As the patient loses weight, pressure from the neck decreases, allowing the airway to widen during sleep. Of course, not all cases of sleep apnea are caused by obesity; smoking, drinking alcohol, and sleeping under sedation have also been associated with the condition, as well as certain facial abnormalities or deformities.

While surgical procedures are sometimes successful, CPAP masks and machines provide dependable apnea relief by keeping the airway open during sleep, which is why doctors recommend sleep apnea respiratory supplies before surgery.