One of the most well-known treatments for sleep apnea is the use of a device called a CPAP machine. This requires the user to wear a mask that is connected to a machine that helps supply filtered, pressurized air while they sleep.

This treatment consists of an implantable impulse generator — similar to a pacemaker — that sends a signal to move the tongue forward with breaths. It can be successful for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea.

In this procedure, the upper and lower part of your jaw is moved forward from the remainder of your face bones. This enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely.

This procedure may require the cooperation of an oral surgeon and an orthodontist, and at times may be combined with another procedure to improve the likelihood of success.

You may require nasal surgery to remove polyps or to straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils, also called a deviated nasal septum. This surgery helps to reduce snoring and contributes to the treatment of sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging the nasal passages.

Removing tissues in the back of your throat with a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty) or with radio frequency energy (radio frequency ablation) are procedures that doctors can perform to treat snoring. Although these procedures are occasionally combined with others, they are not usually recommended as sole treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.

You may need a tracheostomy if other treatments have failed, and you have severe, life-threatening sleep apnea. In this procedure, your surgeon makes an opening in your neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube through which you breathe. The opening is kept covered during the day and uncovered at night to allow air to pass in and out of your lungs, bypassing the blocked air passage in your throat.

During this procedure, the doctor removes tissue from the rear of your mouth and top of your throat. Your tonsils and adenoids usually are removed as well. This type of surgery may be successful in stopping throat structures from vibrating and causing snoring. However, it may be less successful in treating sleep apnea because tissue farther down your throat may still block your air passage. UPPP usually is performed in a hospital and requires a general anesthetic.

There are two simple ways to find the right sleep medicine doctor for you:

• Search online for a sleep medicine specialist with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool.
• Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, to speak with one of our specially trained physician referral nurses. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.

In some cases, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor.

Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage.

If you are an existing patient with a Sharp-affiliated sleep medicine specialist (meaning you have seen your doctor at least once), simply call the doctor’s office to make an appointment.

Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop repeatedly throughout sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the three types of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the tongue or throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Sleep apnea is not unique to individuals who are obese. Nearly 22 million American adults are diagnosed with one or more types of sleep apnea; however, 70% of those individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea are also obese. This is due in large part to excess fatty tissue around the throat and upper torso, predisposing individuals to this condition.

Look for these common indicators of sleep apnea:

• Chronic snoring
• Waking up tired and with a headache
• Waking up throughout the night, gasping for air
• Excessive tiredness, especially midafternoon

If you find that your drowsiness seems excessive or is affecting daily activities, talk with your doctor.