Sleep Apnea Treatments, Old & New: CPAP to Tirzepatide

01 · What's new

A weekly option for the weight behind it

For many people, extra weight is part of what narrows the airway at night. That's where the newest option comes in.

New option

Compounded tirzepatide

A once-weekly medication for weight loss. In large trials of the brand-name form, people with sleep apnea and obesity had far fewer breathing pauses as their weight came down. It works alongside CPAP and your other care, not instead of it.

How it fits →Compare providers

How people get it

Online intakeAnswer health questions from home, including your sleep apnea history.
Clinician reviewA licensed clinician decides whether it's right for you.
Shipped to youPrepared by a state-licensed pharmacy and mailed to your door.
One monthly priceMany telehealth providers charge a flat monthly fee. Prices vary.

Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved. The FDA-approved brand-name form was the one studied for sleep apnea. See the research →

02 · The tried-and-true

Treatments that keep the airway open

These work on the airway tonight. Tirzepatide works on the weight behind it, so many people use both.

TonightCPAP & PAP therapyA bedside machine pushes gentle air pressure through a mask to hold your airway open. It's the most-used first treatment, and it works from the first night you wear it. The mask takes some getting used to; most people decide it beats waking up 150 times a night.
Best for: Most people with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea
With tirzepatide: Yes. Keep using it while you lose weight; your sleep doctor may adjust the pressure later.
TonightOral applianceA custom mouthguard made by a dentist that eases the lower jaw forward to keep the airway from collapsing.
Best for: Mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, or people who can't tolerate CPAP
With tirzepatide: Yes. Works independently of weight treatment.
TonightPositional therapySome people's apnea is much worse on their back. Devices or simple tricks keep you sleeping on your side.
Best for: People whose apnea is worse when they sleep on their back
With tirzepatide: Yes. An easy add-on to other treatments.
SpecialistHypoglossal nerve stimulationA small implanted device gently moves the tongue forward with each breath during sleep.
Best for: Moderate-to-severe sleep apnea when CPAP hasn't worked; devices have weight (BMI) limits
With tirzepatide: Weight loss can matter here, because eligibility has BMI limits. Ask your sleep specialist.
SpecialistAirway surgeryProcedures that remove or reshape tissue in the throat, nose, or jaw to widen the airway.
Best for: Specific anatomy problems found by a specialist
With tirzepatide: Case by case, with your surgeon.

03 · How to choose

Finding your mix

Start with how severe it is

Mild sleep apnea may respond to side-sleeping or a mouthguard. Moderate to severe usually calls for CPAP, often with other care alongside.

Pick what you'll stick with

The best treatment is the one you'll keep using. If the mask isn't working for you, say so. There are other options.

Combine, don't replace

Weight treatment and airway treatment work well together. Keep your CPAP unless your sleep doctor says otherwise.

Sleep apnea treatments, old and new.