Loud, persistent snoring. Gasping for air during sleep. Morning headaches and relentless daytime fatigue. These are all signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or chronic snoring—conditions that affect millions of Canadians. If you’re exploring long-term relief, you may wonder: Can sleep apnea and snoring be cured?
For selected patients with anatomical causes of obstruction, surgery can produce meaningful and sometimes long-lasting improvement, but outcomes vary and patient selection matters. In this blog post, we cover your options to help you find lasting relief.
What Causes Sleep Apnea and Chronic Snoring?
Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring typically occur when soft tissues in the airway relax or collapse during sleep, obstructing airflow. Common culprits include an elongated uvula, excess soft palate tissue, enlarged tonsils, or nasal obstruction.
For some individuals, lifestyle factors like obesity or alcohol use can worsen symptoms. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often recommended, not everyone tolerates it well, prompting many to wonder if there is a sleep apnea cure without CPAP.
Is There a Surgery for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Yes, surgical treatment is an option for sleep apnea and chronic snoring when other therapies fail or when anatomical issues clearly contribute to airway obstruction. At Surgical Solutions Network, our ENT specialists offer 2 procedures, depending on your specific needs:
1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
Often referred to as UPPP surgery, this procedure removes or reshapes excess tissue from the uvula, soft palate, and pharynx. By opening the airway at the back of the throat, UPPP can significantly reduce snoring and improve airflow in patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
UPPP is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, experiencing improved breathing and fewer disruptions during sleep. While it’s not a guaranteed cure for everyone, UPPP offers a long-term solution for the right candidates.
2. Septoplasty (with or without rhinoplasty)
Nasal obstruction can also contribute to nighttime breathing problems. A deviated septum—a structural issue inside the nose—may limit airflow and increase sleep disturbances. How does septoplasty help sleep apnea? While it realigns the nasal septum to restore normal airflow, isolated nasal surgery rarely eliminates obstructive sleep apnea. However, it may reduce required CPAP pressures and improve adherence.
This procedure may be performed alone or with cosmetic rhinoplasty if patients are also seeking aesthetic improvement. When appropriate, this procedure can support better breathing and make CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective.
How Surgery Helps Reduce Symptoms
UPPP targets physical obstructions in the throat that can block airflow during sleep. By removing or reshaping excess tissue in the soft palate and surrounding areas, the procedure creates a wider, more stable airway, reducing the repetitive collapse that causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Benefits may include:
- Reduced or eliminated snoring
- Fewer nighttime awakenings
- Less daytime drowsiness and improved focus
- Better overall sleep quality
- Improved oxygenation during sleep
UPPP is especially effective when throat anatomy is the main contributor to sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, it may be combined with nasal procedures such as septoplasty to improve overall breathing and enhance other sleep apnea treatments.
Is Surgery a Guaranteed Cure?
While surgery can deliver dramatic improvements, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. Surgery is not a guaranteed cure. Anatomy, lifestyle, and overall health all play a role in your outcome. Some patients experience near-total relief from symptoms, while others may still require supplementary treatments such as:
- Postoperative sleep studies to assess residual apnea
- Positional therapy to avoid sleeping on the back
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise and reduced alcohol intake
- Weight management, as excess weight—particularly around the neck—can worsen OSA
This last point raises a common question: Can weight loss cure sleep apnea? For some individuals, especially those with mild OSA, losing weight may significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. However, when anatomical issues are the root cause, surgery may still be necessary to address the problem fully.
Why Choose Surgical Solutions Network?
Surgical Solutions Network offers expert ENT care in accredited, state-of-the-art facilities across Canada. Starting in Fall 2025, our Toronto surgical centre will provide specialized sleep apnea and snoring surgery without the long wait times associated with public systems. When you choose us, you benefit from:
- Shorter wait times for procedures
- Experienced surgeons specializing in airway and nasal surgeries
- Private surgical facilities that meet rigorous safety standards
It’s also worth noting the added value of choosing your surgeon and surgical facility wisely. For patients considering overseas surgery, we encourage reviewing why staying in Canada for your surgery is safer than travelling abroad.
What To Expect From the Process
Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist. This includes reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and (if available) sleep study results. Your surgeon may perform a physical exam to assess soft tissue in the throat or nasal passage.
Surgery
Depending on your needs, your surgeon may recommend UPPP, septoplasty, or a combination approach. Each procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Recovery
Recovery time ranges from 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should expect a sore throat (after UPPP) or nasal congestion (after septoplasty) and follow a soft food diet if needed. Results become more noticeable as swelling subsides.
Follow-Up
Your surgeon may recommend a follow-up consultation or sleep study to evaluate success and determine if further treatment is needed. For many patients, surgery provides long-term symptom relief without the daily burden of CPAP.
Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep
So, is there a surgery for sleep apnea or snoring that actually works? In many cases, yes, especially when airway obstruction is the underlying cause. Whether you’re exploring UPPP surgery, septoplasty, or simply looking for a sleep apnea cure without CPAP, Surgical Solutions Network is here to help.
Ready to breathe easier and sleep better? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about private ENT surgery options near you. A more restful night—and brighter day—could be just one step away.