Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Southern California

If you or your partner has noticed loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or you’re constantly exhausted no matter how much you sleep you may have sleep apnea. The good news: it’s treatable, and our Orange County ENT team at Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat offers personalized care from diagnosis through recovery.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. Each pause can last from a few seconds to a minute or longer, and it can happen dozens of times every hour all without you being fully aware of it. The result: poor sleep quality, low oxygen levels, and a cascade of health consequences that build up over time.

There are three main types:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

The throat muscles relax and physically block the airway. This is the type most often treated by ENT specialists.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

The brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Less common and often linked to other medical conditions.

Complex sleep apnea

A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea, sometimes developing during treatment for OSA.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Many people don’t know they have sleep apnea it’s often a partner or family member who notices the signs. Common symptoms include:

  • Loud or disruptive snoring
  • Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
  • Waking up with a headache or dry mouth
  • Excessive daytime fatigue, even after 8 hours of sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Moodiness, irritability, or depression
  • Falling asleep during the day unexpectedly
  • Frequent nighttime urination

Why does sleep apnea need treatment?

Untreated sleep apnea isn’t just disruptive — it poses serious long-term health risks. Every time your breathing stops, your blood oxygen drops, forcing your heart and cardiovascular system to work harder.

  • Heart disease: Increased blood pressure and strain on the cardiovascular system
  • Stroke risk: Sudden drops in oxygen raise the risk of stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes: 50–85% of diabetic patients have OSA
  • Daytime accidents: Fatigue increases risk of car and workplace accidents
  • Mental health: Linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline
  • Relationship strain: Poor sleep affects those sharing a bedroom too

Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea

Treatment is tailored to the severity of your condition and your personal preferences. Our ENT specialists will review your sleep study results and recommend the approach most likely to work for you.

Lifestyle changes

Weight loss, quitting smoking, and adjusting sleep position can significantly reduce mild OSA. These are often the first step.

CPAP therapy

A mask delivers continuous pressurized air to keep your airway open all night. The most commonly prescribed and highly effective treatment.

BiPAP therapy

Similar to CPAP but automatically adjusts air pressure between inhaling and exhaling often better tolerated by some patients.

Oral appliances

Custom-fitted mouthpieces move the jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open. A great CPAP alternative for those who find masks uncomfortable.

Surgery

Several surgical options can permanently resolve the anatomical causes of sleep apnea. Our ENT surgeons specialize in these procedures.

Inspire therapy

A small implanted device that monitors breathing and uses gentle nerve stimulation to keep your airway open no mask required.

Surgical options explained

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP)

Tissue is removed from the back of the mouth and top of the throat including the uvula, soft palate, and sometimes tonsils and adenoids. This widens the airway and reduces snoring. Most effective when the obstruction is in the upper throat.

Maxillomandibular advancement

Portions of the upper and lower jaw are moved forward to enlarge the space behind the tongue and soft palate. This complex but highly effective procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon alongside an orthodontist.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids can open the airway significantly especially in children, for whom this is often the first-line surgical approach.

Nasal Surgery

Used to remove nasal polyps or correct a deviated septum. Improving airflow through the nose can reduce sleep apnea severity and improve CPAP effectiveness.

Tracheostomy

Reserved for the most severe cases when all other treatments have failed. A small opening is made in the neck and a breathing tube is inserted. The opening is covered during the day and open at night. Rarely needed with today’s treatment options.