Treatment options for mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease that causes daytime symptoms, decreased quality of life, increased risk of cardio and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, neurocognitive impairments, and higher traffic accident rates. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is highly effective and has been the treatment of choice for patients with severe disease and those with moderate disease accompanied by daytime symptoms and/or cardiovascular comorbidity. However, CPAP has limitations in terms of acceptance and treatment adherence. There are various treatment options available, such as weight loss, the use of oral devices, positional devices, surgery and emerging therapies like myofunctional therapy. These personalized treatments have shown promising results, particularly in patients with mild to moderate OSA or those seeking an effective alternative to standard treatment. It is increasingly recognized that OSA is a disorder with diverse risk factors, clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and comorbidities. A better understanding of patient heterogeneity will allow for more personalized treatment approaches and ensure the effectiveness of interventions through advanced and precision medicine. This review provides an overview of current approaches to non-surgical treatment of mild to moderate OSA in patients without an indication for CPAP treatment or who reject that option. Additionally, it proposes a therapeutic algorithm to guide the management of these patients.