What are the factors that contribute to sleep apnea?

Obesity is number 1: Obesity is the number 1 risk factor. A BMI over 30 increases risk. Male gender. Increasing age. Snoring with excessive sleepiness during the day.

Obesity #1: The risk of osa rises with increasing body weight (obesity), active smoking and age. Individuals with low muscle tone and soft tissue around the airway (e.g., because of obesity) and structural features that give rise to a narrowed airway are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, patients with diabetes or "borderline" diabetes have up to three times the risk of having osa.

Sleep apnea: Several possibilities: some people only snore if they sleep on their back, so try avoiding that. Losing weight. See an ear nose & throat specialist to evaluate your tonsils, adenoids and sinus wear a custom made dental device that holds your jaw forward while you sleep thereby increasing the airway.