Two types of positive airway pressure used to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea are the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the effective noninvasive medical treatment to eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. The CPAP consists of a portable machine that has a mask, tubes and fan. The patient is required to wear the sealed mask that is connected to a long hose, over the nose during sleep. CPAP works by gently blowing pressurized air through the nasal passage of the patient at a pressure high enough to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep. This pressurized air works as a pneumatic splint. The air pressure is constant and continuous and can be adjusted as per the patient's need at a level that eliminates sleep apnea. Although CPAP is an extremely effective method of treating sleep apnea, many people may find it a bit cumbersome and uncomfortable. The Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure involves positive pressure at different settings on inspiration and expiration.

Another option is the oral appliance, indicated for use in patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea who are unresponsive to or are inappropriate candidates for behavioral interventions including weight loss, positional therapy (avoiding the supine position in bed) and eliminating evening alcohol and sedatives. Oral or dental appliances reposition the lower jaw and the tongue, thus opening up the space at the back of the throat, and thereby helping to treat sleep apnea. There are various devices that prevent the tongue from falling back over the airway (a tongue retaining device) or a mandibular advancement device (MAD) which is moved to an anterior and forward position. MAD is the most common type of oral appliance and is often adjustable by the dentist or orthodontist. Reported side effects include damage to teeth, soft tissue and temporomandibular joint.