Understanding Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea Treatment Options May 20, 2026 This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used to replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before making any changes to your sleep or health routine. If You Have Been Told You Snore Loudly, Feel Tired During the Day, or May Have Sleep Apnea, You're Not Alone Many people live with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea without fully understanding what it means or how it is measured or treated.1 The good news is that there are effective options that can improve your sleep and how you feel each day. What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Measured? Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing.2 These interruptions can happen many times a night and often go unnoticed, but they can disrupt your sleep quality and leave you feeling unrefreshed.2 Sleep apnea is measured using something called the apnea hypopnea index, or AHI.2 This number reflects how many times your breathing is disrupted per hour of sleep.2 Mild sleep apnea is defined as an AHI of 5 to 15 events per hour. Moderate sleep apnea is an AHI of 15 to 30 events per hour. Severe sleep apnea is an AHI greater than 30 events per hour. Understanding your AHI helps guide the most appropriate treatment for you. Mandibular Advancement Splints A common treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea is a mandibular advancement splint. This is a small oral device worn over your teeth during sleep, similar to a mouthguard. It works by gently moving your lower jaw forward, helping to keep your airway open.3 This allows for smoother breathing and more consistent airflow throughout the night. Many people find this option comfortable, discreet, and easy to use.4 Mandibular advancement splints are commonly used for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.5 They are also a good option for people who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a simpler and more portable solution. However, to use this type of device, you need healthy teeth and a stable jaw. Mandibular advancement splints are available in boil-and-bite forms, which are suitable for those looking to trial a cost-effective, short-term version, or custom-made forms, which are more comfortable, effective, and suitable for long-term use. It is also important to note that if you have symptoms beyond snoring, such as significant daytime tiredness or headaches, CPAP may still be recommended as a first option in some cases, even if your sleep apnea is classified as mild. CPAP Therapy Another treatment option is CPAP therapy. A CPAP device is a bedside machine that works by gently blowing air through a mask, keeping the airway open and eliminating symptoms.6 It provides strong airway support and is often used when more consistent airway control is needed such as for severe sleep apnea.5 For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, mandibular advancement splints are comparable to CPAP in effectiveness.5 However, if symptoms go beyond snoring, such as significant daytime tiredness or headaches, CPAP may still be recommended as a first option in some cases. Lifestyle Changes and Other Options In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. Losing weight, improving sleep position, and reducing alcohol intake can all help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.7 Even small changes can improve symptoms and support other treatments. Surgery may also be considered in certain situations, particularly if there are structural factors contributing to airway blockage.7 This is usually explored when other treatments are not suitable or have not been effective. Taking the Next Step If you regularly feel tired, wake with headaches, or have been told you snore or stop breathing during sleep, it is worth investigating further. A sleep study can help determine your AHI and guide the best treatment for you. Speak with your doctor or a qualified sleep professional to explore your options. With the right support, better sleep and better days are within reach. References 1 Holmgren, Erik, et al. Why Are People with Sleep Apnea Undiagnosed? – the SCAPIS Sleep Cohort. 27 Sept. 2025, pp. PA1082–PA1082, publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/66/suppl69/pa1082, https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2025.pa1082. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026. 2 Summer, Jay. “Understanding the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).” Sleep Foundation, 28 Oct. 2021, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/ahi. 3 “Sleep Apnea Treatment without CPAP | Good Sleep Co Australia.” Good Sleep Co, 2026, goodsleepco.health/pages/treatment. 4 Manetta, Izabella Paola, et al. “Mandibular Advancement Devices in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Updated Review.” Sleep Science, vol. 15, 2022, pp. 398–405, https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20210032. 5 “RACGP - Mandibular Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.” Racgp.org.au, 2018, www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/device/mandibular-devices-for-obstructive-sleep-apnoea. 6 Katella, Kathy. “7 Things to Know about Sleep Apnea and CPAP.” Yale Medicine, 18 Apr. 2022, www.yalemedicine.org/news/sleep-apnea-cpap. 7 “Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) | Sleep Health Foundation.” Www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au, www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/treatment-options-for-obstructive-sleep-apnoea-osa. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. MAS is intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. To find out if CPAP or a MAS is suitable for you, speak to your doctor.
