What should you do when your husband has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and won't use the machine?

Get help: Find out why he does not wish to use it and have him see a doctor experienced in treatment of osa. Often, there are fit or comfort issues that can be remedied. If CPAP is still not accepted, for some we can treat using oral appliances or reconstructive surgery, if performed by an expert.

Educate him: Not treating sleep apnea is a lot like not treating Insulin dependent diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases his risk for heart disease, stroke, fatal accidents, depression, erectile dysfunction. It will shorten his life. If he still won't try it then explore other options including a mouth guard to bring his lower jaw forward or airway surgery. Not treating apnea is not an option.

Reason with him: First, tell him you love him and want to live a long life with him, and get back on that cpap! see your md who can adjust the pressure, mask, or whatever he may need to optimize the experience. If he just can't tolerate it, see a dentist who is trained in making oral appliances for sleep apnea. The third option is surgery.

CPAP,Sleep Appliance: See a dentist who treats sleep apnea and make sure they have a sleep test. They can make sleep appliances that bring the lower jaw forward to enlarge the airway - then do another sleep test to determine the effectiveness of the appliance- there are multiple appliances.