photo of frustrated man who wants to know about the latest sleep apnea devices

The Latest Sleep Apnea Devices and Treatment Options: A Complete List

By Jason Wooden, PhD | Updated for 2023

While CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea, many patients stop using their machines within a year.  Good news – there are now more alternatives than ever before.

The latest sleep apnea devices include more comfortable air pressure systems, body positioners, innovative oral appliances, pacemaker like devices, and a new daytime treatment that’s used for just 20 minutes.

A) The truth about sleep apnea treatment

You’re certainly not the only one struggling with sleep apnea and finding a treatment that works for you.

And finding a treatment that you can actually live with…

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing stops or get shallow during sleep.  These breathing interruptions is what wrecks your sleep.

Would you believe it’s estimated that worldwide around a billion people suffer from sleep apnea?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) uses an air pump and face mask to apply mild air pressure which helps keep the airway open during sleep.

It’s one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea and can be a real-life changer.  Unfortunately, many patients stop using their CPAP machines within the first year of treatment.

Luckily, CPAP has worked out for me but I know people who gave up.

Some find the CPAP mask uncomfortable while others complain about the blowing air, system leaks, dry nose, red eye, and nasal congestion.  The vibrating noise may also be nuisance for the sleep of the patient and a bedmate.

women using cpap machine who may want to try the latest sleep apnea treatments

So, while CPAP is great when it’s working, it doesn’t work for everyone.

If this describes you, don’t give up – the health effects of untreated sleep apnea are serious.

It can also increase your risk for other serious health challenges such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

Before you pull the plug on CPAP, a couple questions:

  • Have you tried any of these practical remedies?
  • Have you tried sleep counseling?  Research shows it can really make a difference for people starting CPAP.  (You can read more about this here.)

If you’ve tried everything you can think of (including counseling), it’s really important to find an alternative as soon as you can if CPAP is not working out for you.

In the past, your choices have been limited to oral appliances and surgery in some cases.  (Oral appliances are devices which are used to reposition the jaw and tongue so that the airway stays more open).

Today there are more sleep apnea treatment options than ever before with more on the way.

If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, there’s no reason to keep living in misery, so don’t give up!

What’s your sleep apnea type?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common type, is mechanical problem in which the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing the airway to collapse.

Central Sleep Apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to sent the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea is when you have symptoms of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

More about sleep apnea

What’s your sleep apnea type?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common type, is mechanical problem in which the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing the airway to collapse.

Central Sleep Apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to sent the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea is when you have symptoms of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

More about sleep apnea

What’s your sleep apnea type?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common type, is mechanical problem in which the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing the airway to collapse.

Central Sleep Apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to sent the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea is when you have symptoms of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

More about sleep apnea

B) New sleep apnea devices approved by FDA (most recent)

photo one of the latest oral sleep apnea devices from ProSomnus

ProSomnus EVO™ [PH] Sleep and Snore Device

Approved: October 2022

Description:

  • Uses new medical grade polymers and hinge components to reposition and stabilize the jaw which helps keep the airway open during sleep  
  • Thinner, less bulky, less intrusive, and more comfortable than other oral appliances.

For: snoring, mild to moderate sleep apnea

Jump to full details

 photo of Vivos proprietary mouth appliance in woman’s mouth that’s among the most recent FDA approved sleep apnea devices

Vivos

Approved: August 2021

Description:
Repositions and trains the jaw so the airway is less obstructed

For: snoring, mild to moderate sleep apnea

Jump to full details

 photo of eXcite, one of the newest sleep apnea devices approved by FDA

eXciteOSA

Approved: February 2021

Description:
Worn 20 minutes during the day while awake to train the tongue and upper airway muscles to stay in position so the airway is less obstructed

For: snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea

Jump to full details

photo of iNAP device

iNAP

Approved: May 2020

Description:
Uses a light suction to move the tongue forward and open up the airway.

For: obstructive sleep apnea (all severities)

Jump to full details

 cartoon drawing showing the Inspire impant in a person

Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation Device

Approved: April 2020

Description:
Surgically implanted in the chest and turned on using a remote, monitors your breathing during sleep and stimulates a nerve to open up the upper airway as needed.

For: obstructive sleep apnea

Jump to full details

C) Latest sleep apnea devices & treatments (full list)

With more options than ever before, we’re living in a golden age for sleep apnea treatment.  As you browse through the list of the latest sleep apnea devices, here are some things to keep in mind:

Who is it recommended for?

Many of the latest sleep apnea treatments are for obstructive sleep apnea which is the type that most people have.  Some will also work for central sleep apnea.

You need a treatment that works for your specific sleep apnea type.  If you’re not sure about this, get diagnosed.

Prescription requirement

Most of the treatments are medical devices which by law require a prescription in the US and many other countries.  For this reason, you’ll have to work with a doctor to get properly diagnosed and a recommendation for a specific treatment.

Insurance coverage

Depending on your diagnosis, some are covered by insurance while others are covered partially or not all.

A sleep specialist can help you explore the latest sleep apnea devices:

  • figure out which ones to try
  • get a prescription
  • qualify for insurance

Here’s a quick look at all of the CPAP alternatives:

Recommended for central sleep apnea:  AirFit F30 cpap mask, remede System

Here’s a more in depth look at the latest sleep apnea devices and CPAP alternatives for treatment:

AIR PRESSURE TREATMENTS

AirFit F30 CPAP mask:

How it works:  The AirFit F30 is a smaller full-face mask designed to sit more comfortably, cover less of your face, and leave behind fewer facial marks.

Recommended for:  obstructive and central sleep apnea

Proof it works:  ResMed clinical studies, CPAP users preferred this type of mask over others and found it more comfortable.

Pros:

  • quieter
  • fewer facial marks and less irritation
  • better for wearing glasses
  • easier to sleep on your side
  • fewer sleep disruptions from vent flow for users and their bed partners

Cons:

  • some may still find a mask uncomfortable
  • prone to leakage in certain positions if not fitted properly

Availability:
US local suppliers
US authorized online suppliers
UK
Ireland
Australia
Canada

Insurance coverage:  covered by most insurance providers

Made by:  ResMed

iNAP:

photo of iNAP which is one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  Unlike CPAP which uses positive air pressure to open up the airway, iNAP uses a light suction to move the tongue forward and open up the airway.

Recommended for:  obstructive sleep apnea (all severities)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • no mask or headgear
  • battery-powered
  • quiet
  • compact and portable
  • receive therapy within days after signing up
  • personalized onboarding with customer care team
  • phone app to help manage therapy

Cons:

  • must be able to breathe well through the nose during sleep
  • must be free of major issues with teeth, gums, soft palate, or nasal / sinus issues

Availability:  US, UK, EU and Asia/Pacific (select countries)

Insurance coverage:  Available for purchase or a monthly membership fee; may be eligible for coverage under HSA/FSA employer plans

Made by:  Somnics Health, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

aerSleep:

Man using aerSleep which is one of the  latest sleep apnea treatments

How it works:  Uses a battery-operated tiny pump to create a vacuum on the outside of the neck which shifts throat tissues and the tongue forward to keep the airway open.

Recommended for:  obstructive sleep apnea

Proof it works:  clinical study; currently being evaluated in additional clinical trials

Pros:

  • non-invasive, discrete
  • small and portable
  • no masks, machine, hoses, cords, or humidifiers required
  • quick set up

Cons:

  • may not work as well on patients with facial hair around mandible and neck area
  • may cause mild redness on neck for 20-30 minutes after use

Availability:  Canada; awaiting approval in US, Australia, Europe, and Asia

Insurance coverage:  may not be covered by all insurance plans

Made by:  Sommetrics, Inc.
E-mail (US): [email protected] (US)
E-mail (Canada): [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions

Airing Micro-CPAP:

man sleeping with a micro cpap, an innovative new sleep apnea device

How it works:  Will use positive air pressure to keep the throat more open and promote breathing during sleep.  Device will be a disposable battery-operated nose implant that contains hundreds of micro-blowers to create airway pressure.

Recommended for:  obstructive and central sleep apnea

Proof it works:  under development

Pros:  compact, no mask, lightweight, and cordless

Cons:  too soon to know

Availability:  under development

Made by:  Airing

ORAL APPLIANCES

O2Vent Optima:

Photo of O2Vent optima mouthpiece, one of the latest sleep apnea technologies

How it works:  Mouthguard-like device that allows unobstructed air to flow to the back of the throat, bypassing common sites of obstruction such as the nose, tongue, and soft palate.  Unlike other oral devices, it adds stability to the airway in two ways  – moving the jaw forward and providing an airway channel.

Recommended for:  snorers, obstructive sleep apnea (mild to moderate)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • works in two different ways (moving the jaw + airway channel)
  • lightweight and durable
  • noninvasive
  • good for patients who suffer nasal congestion or a blocked nose and revert to mouth breathing during sleep
  • good for patients allergies or nasal congestion

Cons:  may not work as well for more severe sleep apnea

Availability:  Australia, Canada, US

Insurance coverage:  some insurers may cover the full cost, while others may cover part of the cost (see reimbursement information)

Made by:  Oventus Medical
Frequently Asked Questions

Recent news:

ProSomnus EVO™ [PH] Sleep and Snore Device:

photo of the prosomnus oral appliance which is one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  Uses new medical grade polymers and hinge components to more comfortably reposition and stabilize the patient’s jaw during sleep, increasing pharyngeal space and reducing the risk of upper airway collapse

Recommended for:  snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (mild to moderate)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • personalized and digitally manufactured based patient’s unique anatomy and treatment plan
  • thinner, less bulky, less intrusive, and more comfortable than other oral appliances
  • improved flexibility makes it even easier to use, durability protects from accidental drops
  • non-invasive
  • unlike CPAP machines, easier to take with you when you travel

Cons: Like many oral appliances, may not work as well for more severe sleep apnea

Vivos:

photo of Vivos in patient's mouth which as one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  Uses a proprietary mouth appliance to reposition and train the jawbone so that the airway is not obstructed

Recommended for:  mild to moderate sleep apnea, snoring

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • sleep apnea diagnosis can made at home using a sensor worn as a ring
  • customized treatment plan that begins with simple and easy at-home sleep apnea screening
  • non-surgical
  • short-term treatment
  • after completing treatment protocol, patients no longer require any type of OSA treatment

Cons:  May not work as well for more severe sleep apnea

Availability:  US, UK, Canada, Singapore, other countries (inquire)

Insurance coverage:  inquire with manufacturer

Made by:  Vivos Therapeutics, Inc

POSITIONAL THERAPY

NightShift:

Photo of nightshift, one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  Trains patients to sleep in a healthier sleep position using a wearable device which vibrates when you sleep on your back and slowly increases in intensity until you change position.

Recommended for:  positional obstructive sleep apnea (patients with airway obstruction that worsens when sleeping on back compared to other positions)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • noninvasive
  • easy to use
  • comfortable
  • easy to maintain
  • can monitor your sleep

Cons:

  • some may find it uncomfortable
  • may not work as well with patients with acute neck, shoulder, back pain, or issues such as skin sensitivity
  • not covered by insurance

Availability:  US (physician network) and Australia (online) via prescription

Insurance coverage:  may qualify toward your high deductible healthcare insurance (per manufacturer website)

Made by:  Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions

Recent news:
Why Clinicians May Miss Identifying Patients Who Could Benefit from Positional Sleep Apnea Therapies

NightBalance:

photo of nightbalance device which is one of the  latest sleep apnea treatments

How it works:  Trains patients to sleep in healthy positions.  Wearable device placed around the chest, vibrates when you sleep on your back to encourage you change position.

Recommended for:  positional obstructive sleep apnea (patients with airway obstruction that worsens when sleeping on back compared to other positions)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • noninvasive
  • easy to use
  • comfortable
  • easy to maintain
  • can monitor sleep

Cons:

  • some may find it uncomfortable
  • not covered by insurance

NERVE STIMULATION

Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation Device:

Drawing showing Inspire, one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  A small device is surgically implanted in the chest and can be turned on using a remote.  During sleep, it monitors your breathing and stimulates a nerve that keeps the upper airway open.

Recommended for:  obstructive sleep apnea (find out here if you qualify)

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • no mask or oral appliance
  • less invasive than conventional obstructive sleep apnea surgeries
  • preserves the natural airway anatomy
  • designed to work with body’s natural anatomy & breathing processes
  • simple, easy to use

Cons:

  • requires surgery, although minimal (all surgeries carry a small risk)
  • some patients might feel a mild tingling sensation when in use
  • potential limitations on participating in very strenuous activities for the upper body

Availability:  US; UK (just introduced, inquire with manufacturer)

Insurance coverage:  Covered on a case by case basis (learn more)

Made by:  Inspire Medical Systems, Inc
Frequently Asked Questions

remedē System:

cartoon drawing of the remede device which is one of the  latest sleep apnea treatments

How it works:  Monitors and stabilizes breathing during the night using a pacemaker-like device that signals the large muscle which controls breathing.

Recommended for:  moderate to severe central sleep apnea in adult patients

Proof it works:  clinical studies (7, 8)

Pros:

  • no mask or oral appliance
  • minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • simple, easy to use

Cons:

  • requires surgery, although minimal (all surgeries carry a small risk)
  • some insurers cover on a case by case basis

Availability:  US

Insurance coverage:  some insurers

Made by:  Respicardia, Inc

eXciteOSA:

phot of eXcite which is one of the latest sleep apnea devices

How it works:  Retrains the tongue and upper airway muscles to stay in position so that the airway is not obstructed

Recommended for:  mild obstructive sleep apnea, snorers

Proof it works:  clinical studies

Pros:

  • comfortable and easy to use
  • daytime treatment
  • use for 20 minutes during the day while awake
  • after 6 weeks, only have to use once a week

Cons:  not for moderate or severe apnea

Availability:  US (prescription required), UK, Germany

Insurance coverage:  not currently covered by insurance, but it is FSA and HSA compatible

Made by:  Signifier Medical Technologies

US
UK
Germany

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

THN Sleep Therapy (aura6000):

drawing showing the THN device which is one of the latest sleep apnea treatments

How it works:  Implantable device that mildly stimulates the tongue during the sleep to keep the airway open and reduce sleep apnea events

Recommended for:  obstructive sleep apnea

Proof it works:  clinical studies (9, 10)

Pros:

  • minimally invasive, surgically implanted system usually as an outpatient procedure with quick recovery time
  • procedure is completely reversible
  • no masks, hoses, or mouthpieces

Cons:   requires surgery, although minimal (all surgeries carry a risk)

Availability:  In clinical trials
See if you qualify to participate

Cost:  To be determined

Insurance coverage:  To be determined

Made by:  LivaNova

SUSPENSION LINES

AirLift:

How it works:  Uses suspension lines to reposition the hyoid bone or tongue to hold the airway open

Recommended for:  obstructive sleep apnea

Proof it works:  clinical studies (see “Publications”)

Pros:

  • minimally invasive, well-tolerated
  • reversible
  • can be performed in an outpatient setting
  • no mask or oral appliance to wear

Cons:

  • surgery
  • requires implant of screws and sutures which some may find intrusive or uncomfortable

Availability:  US

Find an AIRLIFT trained Doctor

Insurance coverage:  yes

Made by:  Siesta Medical, Inc

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy:

photo of provent sleep apnea treatment

Status:  discontinued 

Made by:  Provent Sleep Therapy, LLC

Winx Sleep Therapy System:

Status:  out of business

Made by:  ApniCure

C) How to try out the latest sleep apnea devices and treatment options

Ready to take one of the newer sleep apnea devices out for a test drive?

Here are some things that can help move the process along:

Do your homework – Educate yourself about the various options so that you’re ready to discuss pros and cons with a doctor.

Schedule a doctor appointment – A sleep specialist will play an important role in helping you figure out which treatments are worth trying, getting the prescription, and qualifying for insurance.

Work with your sleep specialist – As you try out a new treatment, they may be able make adjustments so that it works better for you.

Some of the latest sleep apnea devices may not yet be available because they haven’t been approved for use.

If you’re interested in something that’s still in development, talk to your doctor and the manufacturer about trying it out as a participant in a clinical trial.

E) What else can I do for my sleep apnea?

Don’t limit your quest for better sleep to sleep devices only.

Be sure you’re practicing good sleep hygiene so that you’re not sabotaging your sleep apnea treatment.

Sleep hygiene sets the stage for good sleep.  Once you fall asleep, your sleep apnea treatment will help you sleep more deeply with fewer breathing interruptions.

Some other practical things you can do:

Weight loss – Excessive weight has been linked to sleep apnea.  Studies have shown weight loss can help improve symptoms and, in some cases, eliminate the need for surgery or long-term CPAP therapy.

Avoid alcohol and smoking – Both have been linked to sleep apnea in studies.  Alcohol can relax the throat muscles that control breathing.  Tobacco use can worsen inflammation and swelling in the airway.

Change your sleep positionOver half of obstructive sleep apnea cases are due to sleep position.  Sleeping on your side or stomach are believed to help keep the airway open.  If you’re not a natural side sleeper, some of the new sleep apnea devices (positional therapy) can help retrain your body.

F) Insurance tips

Some of the latest sleep apnea treatments may only be partly covered or only on a case by case basis.  Your doctor will be important for getting you qualified and working with your insurance provider.

Some things to try if you are denied coverage:

  • Make sure the right billing codes were used and the claim properly submitted
  • Check your policy to see if the claim was legitimately denied
  • Ask your HR department for help
  • Contact your insurance company directly
  • File an appeal
  • Check with your state insurance department

What else you can try if you don’t have insurance coverage:

Sources:

1. A novel nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep. 2011; 34(4):479-85.

2. Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Devices (Provent) for OSA: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sleep Disord. 2015; 2015: 734798.

3. Evaluation of Continuous Negative External Pressure (cNEP) for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017; 13(8):1009-1012.

4. A multicenter evaluation of oral pressure therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Med. 2013 Sep;14(9):830-7.

5. Assessment of a neck-based treatment and monitoring device for positional obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2014; 10(8):863-71.

6. Outcome after one year of upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea in a multicenter German post-market study. Laryngoscope. 2018; 128(2):509-515

7. Sustained 12 Month Benefit of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Central Sleep Apnea. Am J Cardiol. 2018; 121(11):1400-1408.

8. Transvenous neurostimulation for central sleep apnoea: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2016; 388(10048):974-82.

9. Targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: Six-month results. Laryngoscope. 2016; 126(11):2618-2623.

10. Targeted hypoglossal neurostimulation for obstructive sleep apnoea: a 1-year pilot study. Eur Respir J. 2013; 41(2):360-7.

11. Weight loss for obstructive sleep apnea: the optimal therapy for obese patients. J Am Diet Assoc. 1994; 94(11):1291-5.

12. Alcohol and the risk of sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med. 2018; 42: 38–46.

13. Interaction between smoking and obstructive sleep apnea: not just participants. Chin Med J (Engl). 2012; 125(17):3150-6.

14. The role of sleep position in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2006; 263(10):946-50.

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