Table 3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Options.

Treatment	Description	Benefits	Disadvantages
Weight Loss	Goal of ≥10% decrease in total body weight.	Modest improvement in OSA severity in obese patients; many additional cardiovascular benefits.	Hard to maintain over time; lower efficacy than CPAP.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)	Continuous positive pressure through airway to prevent collapse.	Highly effective (criterion-standard); improves quality of life, sleepiness, and blood pressure.	Requires adherence for benefit.
Mandibular Advancement Device	Dental appliance that advances the mandible forward during sleep.	Well-tolerated in those who are intolerant of CPAP.	Lower efficacy than CPAP; requires adequate dentition; variable insurance coverage.
Upper Airway Surgery	Surgical resection of pharyngeal soft tissue structures.	Improvement in OSA severity; ensures adherence.	Lower efficacy than CPAP; invasive and higher risk than alternatives.
Neurostimulation	Implanted electrode that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to reduce airway collapse during inspiration.	Effective in select patients; well-tolerated.	Lower efficacy than CPAP; Highly selected patient population; requires favorable anatomy, BMI <32.

Abbreviations: OSA = obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure, BMI = body mass index