The Five Ways to Treat Snoring & Sleep Apnea

1. Observation. Observation may be an option if the snoring does not bother you or anyone else. An advantage to addressing your snoring early is that typically, as you advance in age, the laxity or sagginess of the back of your throat increases which worsens your snoring and often leads to sleep apnea.


2. Behavior Modification. This includes losing weight, avoiding sedatives and alcohol at night, sleeping on your side, and developing better sleeps habits. All sleep apneic patients must try to reach their ideal weight. Weight loss is difficult when you have sleep apnea because you are tired and your metabolism is slowed. Addressing your sleep apnea typically results in weight loss. Alcohol and sedatives, including sleeping pills, are prohibited if you have significant sleep apnea to avoid suppressing your rescue gasp that allows you to catch your breath at night. If you are sedated, your oxygen may reach dangerously low levels, causing a heart attack or sudden death.


3. Breathing Machines: These machines are more commonly known as a Continuous or Constant Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine. This apparatus prevents airway collapse by forcing air though your nose and mouth. The amount of pressure required to keep you from becoming apneic is determined by a sleep study. CPAP machines have a high rate of success for those who use them. CPAP machines can be cumbersome, inconvenient, and may not be tolerated because of claustrophobia. Dr. Pasha prefers to use the “smart” machines that come with a card so that he may read data to see how you are doing with the machine at night. If you choose to use a CPAP machine, Dr. Pasha will help you stay compliant with your machine by monitoring your usage, adjusting your pressures, and adjusting your masks. Dr. Pasha may also perform minor procedures in the office or in the operating room so that you can better tolerate the machine or lower your pressures. Many times, sleep centers place everyone on CPAP machines without alternatives. CPAP machines do not address the underlying cause of the collapse of the airway at night.


4. In-office Procedures or Surgery. Dr. Pasha has performed well over 1,600 procedures for sleep apnea/snoring and considers it an art. After a detailed physical examination, Dr. Pasha may offer a long-term procedure specific for you. Philosophically, our center focuses on the least invasive technique with the most effective outcome. For some this may mean a 20-minute procedure that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. For others it may require a more advanced surgical technique. Since, Dr. Pasha specializes in all the most common available modalities, he can offer a variety of choices based on your specific circumstance. Dr. Pasha also commonly evaluates those who had a prior failed procedure and specializes in revision techniques.


5. Dental or Oral Appliances. These devices have variable success but may be recommended for selected patients especially for those of you who have mild sleep apnea or are more concerned with snoring.

Dr. Pasha recognizes that there are many inappropriate techniques offered to patients that snore or have sleep apnea. It can be very confusing to patients which technique is best suited for them. Some clinics specialize in only in-office, minimally invasive techniques. Others may push for dental appliance or CPAP machines. Because of their limited options and financial incentive there is an increased chance of inappropriate recommendations. The Pasha Snoring and Sinus Center was designed to present logical, proven-effective multiple solutions that are specific for your situation.