Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on what is causing the breathing problem, how severe it is, your symptoms, overall health and what you can use consistently.
A sleep study can help establish whether sleep apnoea is present, what type it is and how severe it appears. A healthcare professional can then discuss the expected benefits, limitations and practicalities of appropriate options. A self-check or consumer wearable cannot make that decision.
Understand the possibilities
Options you may hear about
These options are educational starting points, not a ranked list or recommendation.
At a glance
Different approaches solve different problems
The best option depends on the diagnosis, severity, symptoms, health and what a person can use consistently.
PAP
CPAP
Supports an open airway with gentle air pressure
MAD
Oral device
Moves the lower jaw forward to create space
SIDE
Positional
Reduces time in a position linked with more events
LIFE
Lifestyle support
Addresses relevant contributing factors
SPEC
Specialist procedure
Targets selected airway anatomy or nerve control
These options are not ranked and may be used alone or together after professional assessment.
01
Lifestyle and everyday support
Changes such as reducing alcohol, stopping smoking, being active, improving sleep habits and working towards a healthy weight may help some people.
These changes can support treatment, but they should not delay assessment when symptoms are concerning.02
CPAP and positive airway pressure
A CPAP machine provides gentle air pressure through a mask to help prevent the airway narrowing or closing during sleep.
Mask fit, pressure settings, dryness and comfort can often be reviewed rather than giving up on treatment.03
Mandibular advancement devices
A specially fitted oral device holds the lower jaw forward to create more room behind the tongue while sleeping.
Suitability depends on the diagnosis and dental health. A clinician and appropriately trained dental professional should guide fitting.04
Positional therapy
Some people have sleep apnoea that is substantially worse when they sleep on their back. Positional approaches encourage side sleeping.
This is mainly considered for confirmed positional disease and is unlikely to suit every severity or pattern.05
Managing nasal symptoms
Assessment and treatment of rhinitis or nasal obstruction may improve comfort and make other treatment easier to use.
Nasal treatment is not automatically a treatment for the underlying sleep-related airway obstruction.06
Surgery and specialist procedures
Selected people may be assessed for procedures addressing obstructive tonsils or other airway anatomy, or for options such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
These are specialist decisions after investigation; they are not general alternatives suitable for everyone.
A conversation guide
How options are commonly considered
Option
What it aims to do
What needs discussing
CPAP
Keep the airway open using air pressure
Severity, mask and pressure needs, comfort and follow-up
Oral device
Create airway space by positioning the lower jaw
Dental health, suitability, fitting and effectiveness checks
Positional therapy
Reduce time sleeping in a position linked with more events
Whether testing confirms positional disease
Lifestyle support
Address factors that may contribute to symptoms or severity
Safe, realistic changes and whether another treatment is also needed
Specialist procedure
Address a relevant area of airway anatomy or nerve control
Careful selection, expected benefit, risks and alternatives
If treatment feels difficult
Ask for support before stopping
Difficulty with a mask, dryness, leaks, pressure, an oral device or another treatment does not necessarily mean every version of that approach will fail. Tell the team supporting you what is happening and ask what can be adjusted.
Questions to take with you
What did my sleep study show?
What are the realistic options for my type and severity?
What benefit should I expect, and how will we measure it?
What side effects or practical problems should I report?
When should the treatment be reviewed?
Your next step
Move from possibilities to an informed plan
Use the clinic finder to identify a relevant service, then confirm services, referral requirements, costs and professional credentials directly.