Beyond CPAP: New Sleep Apnea Treatments You Should Know About

For millions of people, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy has been the go-to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many patients struggle with discomfort, mask leaks, or the air pressure, though. If you are looking for alternatives, several options may help, depending on your sleep study results, weight and health. Never stop CPAP before a repeat sleep study shows you can. See How to Wean Off CPAP: Can You Safely Stop Using It?

1. Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Implants

Devices like the Inspire implant stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the tongue and upper airway muscles, to prevent airway collapse during sleep.

How it works:

  • A small device is surgically implanted in the chest, with a lead connected to the hypoglossal nerve.
  • The device is activated at night and delivers mild pulses to keep the airway open.
  • Patients control it with a remote before sleep.

Who may be a candidate:

  • Adults with moderate to severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP.
  • People within the BMI limits for the device (the FDA has allowed up to 40, and Medicare coverage has been limited to 35 or less; insurers vary).
  • People who have had a sleep study to confirm the pattern of airway obstruction.

Pros: no mask, silent operation, and good results in selected patients. Cons: surgery is required, it is not suitable for everyone, and coverage varies.

2. FDA-Approved Sleep Apnea Medication: Zepbound

In December 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for adults with moderate to severe OSA who also have obesity, together with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. The improvement is likely related to weight reduction. It is not approved for everyone with snoring or mild apnea.

  • It is an injectable medication that affects appetite and metabolism hormones.
  • Weight loss helps reduce fat around the airway.
  • Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
  • Keep using CPAP until your doctor retests you and confirms a change.

3. Other Treatments

  • Oral appliances: custom dental devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, usually for mild to moderate OSA.
  • Positional therapy: devices that keep you off your back.
  • Weight loss surgery: for severe obesity, bariatric procedures can significantly improve OSA.
  • Airway surgery: for specific anatomical problems.

Before You Give Up on CPAP

Many comfort problems can be fixed with a better mask fit, humidity or pressure comfort settings. Browse CPAP masks, read the most common CPAP problems and solutions, and compare options in CPAP vs BiPAP vs APAP explained. A CPAP Setup Education session with a licensed RRT can help. Learn more in our sleep apnea overview and CPAP FAQ.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist about the best treatment for you.