Non-CPAP Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread sleep disorder characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in disruption of sleep. This condition is linked to a host of symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular disorders, and a variety of other comorbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is, by far, the most common treatment for OSA, and has long served as the standard treatment for most patients. However, CPAP therapy has a variety of limitations, including low adherence, and the heterogenous presentation of OSA. Thus, there exists an increasing need for alternative therapies for OSA. Some of these include lifestyle modifications, positional therapy, mandibular advancement devices, upper airway surgery, pharmacological therapies, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Because OSA presents heterogeneously, effective treatment for most patients would likely include a combination of these treatments.