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) It can also help to talk to your partner about sleep apnea, as they can be a helpful source of encouragement and support. 

Although CPAP remains the treatment of choice for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, several alternatives are available to help reduce breathing issues and resolve daytime symptoms.

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Sleep apnea surgery can be used in several different circumstances. As a first-line treatment, surgery may be recommended prior to CPAP therapy in people who have a blockage in their airway that can be fixed with a surgical procedure.

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Side effects of CPAP treatment may include congestion, runny nose, dry mouth, or nosebleeds; humidification can often help with these symptoms. Masks may cause irritation or redness of the skin, and use of the right size mask and padding can minimize pressure sores from tight contact with skin.

Cost and insurance coverage can also be key to determining if a treatment is right more info for you. CPAP machines can cost several thousand dollars, as can surgeries or oral appliances. Contact your insurance provider to see what therapies and treatments your plan covers.

Smokers are more likely to snore and are at an increased risk of sleep-related breathing disorders like OSA when compared to nonsmokers.

Although both weight loss and CPAP treatment are considered effective ways of reducing OSA symptoms, research is conflicting.

Weight loss can be effective if it’s maintained, but research shows only 5% of overweight individuals with OSA who lose weight keep the weight off. OSA symptoms can also return even if weight loss is maintained.

In the long term, a CPAP machine can help prevent high blood pressure, risk of stroke, risk of heart attacks and reduce memory decline, all of which can be side effects of untreated sleep apnea.

During a consultation, they will ask about your sleep patterns and perform a medical exam. A sleep specialist may suggest you participate in an overnight sleep study—a test monitoring your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate—to diagnose OSA.