The American College of Physicians has published new guidelines for the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. 

The first treatment suggested to patients should be weight loss, according to the guidelines. The rates of sleep apnea are rising rapidly “probably because of escalating obesity rates”, the guidelines note. All overweight and obese patients should be encouraged to lose weight because the evidence has shown that some intensive weight-loss programs may effectively reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea in obese patients with diabetes.

Treatment using CPAP was recommended as the initial type of therapy given to patients if weight loss attempts failed. These guidelines also note, however, than many patients are unable or unwilling to use CPAP because of skin rashes, discomfort or claustrophobic feelings caused by the mask.

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD), or oral appliances, are the alternative to using CPAP. These dental devices work by moving the lower jaw slightly forward, thereby keeping the airway open during sleep.

The guidelines also discuss drug therapy and surgery which were not considered appropriate treatments for sleep apnea.

These new guidelines are important because they take into account the following: weight loss reduces the risk of sleep apnea but the guidelines realize weight loss is difficult; CPAP is the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment but many patients, about half, cannot tolerate the device; and the guidelines recognize the value of oral appliances to treat sleep apnea effectively.

Find out more about sleep apnea and possible treatments by contacting Columbus, OH sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696.