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Published on: 11/14/2025
Can sleep apnea be cured without using a machine?
Sleep apnea can sometimes be improved without a machine using methods like weight loss, oral devices, or surgery, but it depends on the individual case.
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Explanation
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. While using a CPAP machine is common, there are other ways to help manage sleep apnea.
Non-CPAP Options:
- Weight Loss: Losing weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea for some people.
- Oral Devices: Special mouthpieces can help keep the airway open.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery can remove or shrink tissue in the throat or reposition the jaw.
- Positional Therapy: Changing sleeping positions, like sleeping on your side, might help.
These methods may not work for everyone, and their effectiveness can vary. It's important to talk with a healthcare provider to find the best approach for managing sleep apnea. Each person's situation is different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
(References)
- Verbraecken J, Dieltjens M, Op de Beeck S, Vroegop A, Braem M, Vanderveken O, & Randerath W. (2022). Non-CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Breathe (Sheffield, England), 36340820.
- Abid R, Zhang L, & Bhat A. (2024). Non-CPAP Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. Missouri medicine, 39421466.
- Randerath WJ, Verbraecken J, Andreas S, Bettega G, Boudewyns A, Hamans E, et al. (2011). Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea. The European respiratory journal, 21406515.
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