Sleep apnea is a condition that can have a major impact on your health and your quality of life. While conventional therapies such as CPAP machines and oral appliances have been found to be effective for many people living a normal life, curiosity about what is the newest treatment for sleep apnea appears to be increasing. With continuous improvements in technology and research, new treatments are coming up with more efficient, comfortable, and user-friendly options. In this article of CLM Sleep, we will review the new treatment options for sleep apnea. This will give you the ability to make choices that are informed about how you can get that better night’s sleep and improved health.

What is Sleep Apnea? Why is it necessary to seek new treatment methods?

Sleep apnea is a very grave anomaly in breathing during sleep, which wakes the patient now and then. It may lead to several health problems, such as daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, commonly referred to as OSA. This happens when the throat muscles relax. A less common variant called central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. There is also a complex form that combines both.

There are several treatments available for sleep apnea, but the demand for newer solutions continues to rise. Because the old methods, though very useful to some patients, might not suit everyone, or may cause discomfort, or sometimes do not take into account the cause responsible for developing the condition present. Long-term negative health outcomes result as though sleep apnea goes untreated. New treatment options are thus necessary to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Common treatments for sleep apnea

Here are some of the most common treatments for sleep apnea:

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

Introduced in 1985 and having undergone many years of research, CPAP is still considered the leading treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). According to the article “Reinventing CPAP therapy for sleep apnea” by AASM: 

“The leading treatment, CPAP therapy, offers patients the chance of a restful night’s sleep without waking up from obstructed breathing and a lack of oxygen. By blowing a stream of air into the throat, the CPAP machine allows patients to breathe easier.”

CPAP works by keeping the patient’s upper airway open to allow normal breathing during sleep and usually involves wearing a mask that covers the nose or mouth and is connected to the flow generator, a machine that generates the airflow. This airflow keeps the throat open, helping to prevent both snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep.

Who is cpap suitable for?

CPAP is commonly applied to individuals with moderate to severe OSA

• People with moderate to severe OSA

These are individuals diagnosed through a sleep study showing an AHI ≥ 15 for adults, and an AHI ≥ 5 for children. Often accompanied by symptoms such as loud snoring, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness.

• People with mild OSA but with high-risk factors or severe symptoms

High-risk factors: Uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, especially atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Severe symptoms: excessive daytime sleepiness affecting quality of life and safety

See more: Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) – Measures the severity of sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are also known as dental devices or mandibular advancement devices (MADs). Their function is to reposition the lower jaw and tongue in a manner that keeps the airway patent. These devices are custom-fitted by a dentist or orthodontist.

Oral appliances are recommended for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who find it difficult to use a CPAP machine. They are especially effective for people who snore but do not have severe sleep apnea.

Surgical Options

Surgical options are considered when other treatments have not been effective. Surgeries typically aim to remove or reduce excess tissue in the airway or correct structural abnormalities. Common procedures include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and various types of palate surgeries.

Doctors may indicate surgery for individuals with severe OSA who do not respond to CPAP or oral appliances. It is also an option for patients with anatomical abnormalities that directly contribute to their sleep apnea.

Some currently effective surgical methods include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
• Multilevel Surgery

What is the Newest Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

In recent years, advancements in medical technology and research have led to the development of newer treatments for sleep apnea. These options aim to provide better comfort, effectiveness, and convenience compared to traditional methods. In this section, we explore “what is the newest sleep apnea treatment“

Important Note*: Not all of the new treatment methods listed have been widely adopted or officially recommended for the treatment of sleep apnea. Some are still in the clinical research phase or are only used in select cases.

Summary of the latest sleep apnea treatment methods

eXciteOSA

eXciteOSA is an advanced medical device used to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Unlike current treatment methods that are used during sleep, eXciteOSA works during the day by stimulating the muscles in the tongue area through a device placed in the mouth. This device is a significant advancement in non-invasive OSA treatment, providing a more comfortable and pleasant experience for users, especially during sleep.

Approval Status: FDA-approved (2021)

Mechanism

eXciteOSA emits mild electrical pulses that affect important muscles such as the jaw-tongue muscle, stimulating these muscles to respond by contracting and functioning as if they were exercising. It can be said that eXciteOSA is a “physical therapy” method for the tongue and throat muscles, helping these muscles train to maintain better function during sleep.

How to use

It is a compact device, used during the day and does not need to be worn while sleeping.

Step 1: Place the device under and around the tongue

Step 2: Connect eXciteOSA to the phone app via Bluetooth to start and monitor the treatment session.

Step 3: Start muscle stimulation, the device sends light electrical pulses to the tongue muscles for about 20 minutes. At this point, there will be a slight tingling or mild twitching sensation.

Step 4: Use regularly. In the first 6 weeks, use it once a day, each time for 20 minutes. After 6 weeks of use, maintain 2-3 times a week to keep the results stable.

Suitable For

• Patients with mild OSA (AHI from 5–15) or primary snoring not caused by severe OSA.
• Individuals who are non-compliant with CPAP therapy.
• People with a large tongue structure or weak tongue muscle tone, which contributes to airway collapse during sleep.

Advantages

• Does not need to be worn during sleep – avoids discomfort.
• Non-invasive, no surgery required.
• Clinically proven to significantly reduce snoring and AHI in mild OSA.
• Easy to use at home, controllable via a mobile app.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for moderate to severe OSA.
• Requires consistent daily use to maintain effectiveness.
• Takes several weeks to show improvement – not immediate.
• May cause mild discomfort under the tongue during the initial phase of use.

Somnifix Sleep Apnea Treatment 

Somnifix is a special, non-intrusive approach that applies a wireless apparatus to mitigate snoring. The apparatus is meant to keep the mouth closed in a relaxing manner during sleep so that an individual will breathe through their nose, and in this way prevent the collapsing of the airway.

NightBalance Sleep Position Trainer

The NightBalance Sleep Position Trainer is a device worn on the chest that encourages side sleeping, a position that reduces the risk of airway obstruction. The device vibrates gently when the user rolls onto their back, prompting them to return to a side position.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) Therapy

ASV therapy is a sophisticated treatment designed for individuals with central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea. It uses a machine that adjusts the air pressure during the night based on real-time monitoring of the patient’s breathing patterns, ensuring optimal airflow when needed.

Inspire Therapy

Inspire therapy delivers stimulation to the airway muscles through a surgically implanted device, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. It is used with a remote control and works automatically when you turn in for the night. This may present an alternative for those who cannot handle CPAP.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

UPPP is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess tissue from the throat, including the uvula and parts of the soft palate. This surgery helps widen the airway and is typically used for individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea who haven’t responded to other treatments.

Barbed Tongue Surgery

Surgeons use barbed tongue surgery, a relatively new surgical technique, to reduce tongue collapse during sleep. The procedure uses a barbed suture to tighten the tongue muscle, preventing it from obstructing the airway and improving airflow.

Mandibular Advancement

Mandibular advancement involves repositioning the lower jaw to improve airflow during sleep. This procedure can be done through custom oral appliances or surgical interventions and is effective for patients whose sleep apnea is caused or worsened by jaw abnormalities.

Sleep Position Trainer (SPT)

A Sleep Position Trainer is a wearable device that helps patients maintain a side-sleeping position. It delivers gentle vibrations when the wearer starts to roll onto their back. Encouraging them to stay in a position that reduces the likelihood of airway obstruction.

Gene Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Gene therapy for sleep apnea is an emerging field of treatment that aims to address the underlying genetic factors contributing to the condition. Research is still in its early stages, but it holds promise for a long-term solution by targeting the genes responsible for airway muscle control.

Pharmacological Treatments

Pharmacological treatments for sleep apnea include medications that can help manage sleep apnea symptoms, such as nasal decongestants to improve airflow or drugs that promote muscle tone in the airway. Doctors typically use these treatments in combination with other therapies, especially for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or surgery.

Benefits of New Treatments

The new treatments for sleep apnea offer several benefits over traditional methods:

• Increased comfort: Many new treatments are less invasive and more comfortable, such as wearable devices and wireless therapies.
• Targeted solutions: Several new treatments are designed for specific types of sleep apnea, offering more personalized approaches.
• Reduced side effects: Compared to CPAP and surgery, many newer methods have fewer side effects and are easier to tolerate for patients.
• Greater convenience: Devices like Inspire and the NightBalance Sleep Position Trainer provide non-invasive options that are easy to use, improving compliance and long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects overall health. While CPAP and oral appliances help many, newer treatments like Somnifix, Inspire Therapy, ASV, and Sleep Position Trainers offer more comfortable, convenient, and personalized solutions, enhancing patient comfort, effectiveness, and long-term health.

If you’re looking to explore what is the newest treatment for sleep apnea or need help choosing the right option, consider the expert support and professional sleep services offered by CLM. For affordable CPAP machines and accessories, CPAP Discount provides high-quality products at competitive prices. Take charge of your sleep health today and find the treatment that best suits your needs.