Should I Get Surgery for Sleep Apnea?

There are several different ways to treat sleep apnea. The right treatment should make it possible to get the sleep you need every night. In many cases, the CPAP is the first line of defense for OSA. These more conservative options will help you breathe and sleep better at night.

However, there will be many patients who can eliminate their CPAP by choosing sleep apnea surgery. The main difference between CPAP and surgery is that surgery will get to the root of the problem. This means we address exactly what is causing your sleep apnea, leading to a better night’s sleep without having to be hooked up to a machine every night.

Choosing sleep apnea surgery could be the thing that sets you free from your CPAP.

Surgery Can Eliminate Your CPAP

The most common treatment option for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. The CPAP blows pressurized air through a mask into your nose. This air helps keep your airway open while you sleep. CPAP machines can be extremely effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. In fact, the CPAP has become the first line of defense against OSA. Many patients find that they experience fewer apnea episodes during the night which leads to better sleep and more energy during the day.

Even though CPAP is the most common treatment for OSA, it doesn’t always work for everyone. Part of this is because many patients find it uncomfortable and hard to use consistently. Studies have shown that 50% of CPAP patients won’t use their machines long-term. The mask is often uncomfortable and the machine can be loud. Additionally, most patients become dependent on CPAP and are unable to sleep without it. Many patients struggle with the idea of being hooked up to this machine for the rest of their lives.

Sleep Apnea Surgery Addresses the Underlying Problems

Another reason you should consider surgery for sleep apnea is that surgery addresses the root cause of your OSA>

Patients who struggle with using their CPAP should consider sleep apnea surgery as an alternative. Choosing sleep apnea surgery couldcompletely eliminate your need for CPAP. There are often underlying problems in the airway that can lead to sleep apnea. 

These problems include:

• Jaw size
• Excess tissue in the airway
• Tonsils and adenoids
• Deviated septum
• Tongue size

Each of these issues can be fixed surgically. For example, we can adjust the size of your jaw with MMA surgery. The size of your tongue can be reduced. Tonsils, adenoids, and excess tissue can be removed.  

Addressing these issues opens up the airway, which makes it easier for you to breathe at night. And of course, that leads to a better night’s sleep. By choosing sleep apnea surgery, you get the sleep you need without the hassle of the CPAP.

What Else Should I Think About When Choosing Sleep Apnea Surgery?

As with any medical treatment, there will be risks as well as benefits to sleeping apnea surgery. These are all things you should discuss with a doctor as you consider sleep apnea surgery.

Risks of Sleep Apnea Surgery

Many of the risks associated with sleep apnea surgery are common with any type of surgery, such as: 

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Reactions to anesthesia

There are other risks and side effects that are unique to the various procedures. For example, tooth injury, numbness in the face, and difficulty swallowing are all common, but temporary side effects of MMA surgery. Swelling in the surgical site can also cause problems with breathing during and immediately after surgery. As the swelling goes down, however, breathing will become easier. 

Benefits of Sleep Apnea

The biggest benefit of sleep apnea surgery is that in many cases you can almost completely eliminate the use of your CPAP machine. You can get the sleep you need without being hooked up to a clunky machine every night. 

As you start to sleep better you will begin to notice a change in both your mental and physical health. You’ll be able to focus better during the day. You won’t have to worry about falling asleep while you’re working or driving. With the energy you get from sleeping better you’ll be able to be more active.