Close Banner Women's Health CPAP Alternatives: What To Try If You Can’t Tolerate A CPAP Machine Author: Braelyn Wood March 13, 2026 mbg Deputy Commerce Editor By Braelyn Wood mbg Deputy Commerce Editor Braelyn Wood is the Deputy Commerce Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University, along with a certificate in marketing. Image by Prostock-Studio / iStock March 13, 2026 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, chances are your doctor recommended a CPAP machine. CPAP (short for continuous positive airway pressure) keeps your airway open while you sleep by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask. It’s extremely effective—but it’s also not exactly the easiest sleep accessory to get used to. Many people struggle with the mask, the noise, or the feeling of sleeping attached to a machine. In fact, research suggests a large percentage of patients stop using their CPAP within the first year. If that sounds like you, don’t panic. CPAP is considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the severity of your condition, several alternatives may help you breathe easier and sleep more comfortably. Below, we break down the most common CPAP alternatives—and who they tend to work best for. Why some people struggle with CPAP CPAP machines are incredibly effective when people use them consistently . But getting comfortable with one can take time. Some of the most common complaints include: The mask feels bulky or irritating Air leaks during the night Dry mouth or nasal congestion Machine noise Feeling claustrophobic Sometimes small adjustments—like trying a different mask style or adding a humidifier—can make CPAP easier to tolerate. But if those fixes don’t help, it may be worth discussing other treatment options with your sleep doctor. The best CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea While CPAP machines remain the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, they’re not the only option. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, several alternatives may help improve nighttime breathing. Below are some of the most common CPAP alternatives doctors may recommend. 1. Daytime Neuromuscular Therapy If wearing a device overnight sounds uncomfortable, a newer treatment option focuses on strengthening airway muscles during the day instead of while you sleep. One example is eXciteOSA , an FDA-cleared device designed for people with primary snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea. The device sends gentle electrical pulses to the tongue muscles, helping strengthen them over time so they’re less likely to collapse and block the airway during sleep. Instead of wearing something overnight, the therapy typically involves short daytime sessions—often around 20 minutes per day for several weeks—followed by occasional maintenance use. Because it focuses on improving muscle tone rather than mechanically holding the airway open, this approach may appeal to people looking for a non-overnight treatment option. Contributor writer, Casey Clark, tested the device for over one month after she was diagnosed with sleep apnea last year. Her case was mild, so her doctor recommended trying alternative treatments at first. Clark was skeptical at first, especially given the higher price point. But after several weeks of consistent use, she noticed meaningful improvements in her sleep. "I found myself waking up less in the middle of the night… and I don’t toss and turn as much,” she wrote, adding that she also had “more energy in the morning and can get more done throughout the day.” Another benefit: The routine was easy to stick with. As Clark explained, “I love that the treatment doesn’t require a huge time commitment during the day; it’s only 20 minutes.” Best for: Mild obstructive sleep apnea Primary snoring People who dislike nighttime devices eXciteOSA $1237 BUY NOW Want to know more? Read Clark's full review of eXciteOSA here . 2. Oral appliances (i.e. sleep apnea mouthguards) Another common CPAP alternative is a custom oral appliance, sometimes called a mandibular advancement device. These mouthguards work by gently shifting the lower jaw forward while you sleep. That small movement helps keep the airway open and prevents the tongue from falling backward. If you’ve ever worn a retainer or night guard, the experience is somewhat similar—just designed specifically to support breathing during sleep. Oral appliances are typically fitted by a dentist trained in sleep medicine to ensure the device is comfortable and properly aligned. Best for: Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea People who travel frequently Those who find CPAP masks uncomfortable 3. Positional therapy For some people, sleep apnea mainly happens when they sleep on their back. This is known as pos