The world is finally waking up to sleep apnea.
Tens of millions of Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet only about 6 million are diagnosed and even fewer are receiving treatment. As researchers link OSA to long-term health problems — including heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure — companies and advocacy groups are stepping up awareness efforts. Even Shaquille O’Neal, who has moderate OSA, is contributing his voice.
Still, one of the most effective treatments, sleep surgery, is often left out of the conversation. Experts say the number of people getting surgery for OSA has declined despite evidence that surgical treatment can lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) remains the most commonly prescribed treatment for OSA. But many people struggle to wear a CPAP machine consistently each night; for them and others, surgery could be an option.
What Is Sleep Surgery?
Sleep surgery for OSA has a complicated name — uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) — but it’s really quite straightforward.
UPPP removes excess tissue from the back of the throat — from the soft palate, uvula, and sometimes tonsils — to widen the airway and make it easier to breathe at night.
While CPAP is often the first line of defense against OSA, surgery may be more effective because many patients (an estimated 63%) stop using the cumbersome device or don’t use it consistently. CPAP is highly effective, but only if it’s used.
Sleep Surgery Leads to Better Patient Outcomes
Sleep surgery seems to lower the risk of heart problems, brain-related issues, and hormone-related conditions more than CPAP therapy does, according to a large 2021 study in JAMA Otolaryngology.
Patients who underwent UPPP surgery lowered their blood pressure more than those prescribed a CPAP alone. They also had reduced incidence of congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmia.
That can lead to substantial health care savings, even if you include the initial cost of surgery, which ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 without insurance. Research shows that OSA patients who opt for the surgery tend to have lower health care costs overall than those who use CPAP or don’t seek treatment.
“Surgery is quite effective at decreasing patient admissions and [prescription] drug use,” said Robson Capasso, MD, chief of sleep surgery at Stanford University, at the World Sleep Conference in Singapore in September 2025.
Like any surgery, UPPP comes with risks, including allergic reactions to medicine, blood clotting, and infection, though these are rare. Standard recovery time is usually two to four weeks.
Surgery doesn’t work for everyone, and for many patients the benefits can wear off over time. That’s why you’ll want to have a conversation with your doctor about whether UPPP is a good choice for you. And check to see if your health insurance covers surgery — some plans may require you to try other treatments like CPAP first.
