If CPAP or other treatments do not work for you, your doctor may suggest surgery to treat your OSA symptoms. Surgery for sleep apnea is not ‘one size fits all'. For surgery to help, the doctor needs to know exactly what part of your airway is getting blocked. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor can examine your nose, mouth and throat to pinpoint the problem.

Surgery has its own risks and in most cases is not recommended by doctors.

For people with severe sleep apnea, CPAP is still the best choice. Please keep in mind that no surgery is without risk. Surgery is generally not reversible and in some circumstances, surgery may actually worsen the apnea.

If surgical intervention is considered your ENT doctor should work closely with your sleep doctor as additional testing may be needed. Please discuss your questions about surgical options or new procedures with your sleep doctor.