Zepbound Vs. Mouth Guard: What Works Best for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Feature	Zepbound	Mouth Guard
Type	Injection Vials	Oral Appliance
Best For	Positional Sleep Apnea	Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea
Ease of Use	High (Non-invasive)	High (Portable, simple to wear)
Customization	Limited	Fully Customizable
Portability	Moderate/High	High
Effectiveness	Moderate (For specific cases)	High (For mild/moderate cases)
Cost	Higher upfront cost	Lower to moderate cost
Comfort	High	May cause jaw discomfort
Maintenance	Minimal	Regular adjustments needed

Mouth Guards for OSA | Small Devices, Big Benefits

Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece or Mouth Guards

Mouth guards, also known as oral appliances, are custom-fitted devices designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.

These compact devices are a boon for mild to moderate OSA sufferers who struggle with CPAP compliance.

Lightweight and portable, they offer a discreet and comfortable alternative, ensuring uninterrupted sleep while reducing snoring and apnea episodes.

Sleep Apnea Machine: Traditional Treatment

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines or sleep apnea masks are a common solution for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They work by maintaining a constant airflow to keep your airways open during sleep. However, many people find them bulky and uncomfortable for long-term use. While effective, the search for less invasive alternatives has led many to consider oral appliances.

It’s Official “Zepbound to Reduce Sleep Apnea in Obese People”

Eli Lilly, the fabled drug maker announced the entry of a new drug ‘Zepbound’ in reducing sleep apnea, in their press release on 17th April 2024.

The National Council on Aging (NCO) reports Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects almost 40 million U.S. adults at present. The sleep disorder cuts off airflow into our lungs causing cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, hypertension, pulmonary stress and even cardiomyopathy if left untreated for long.

To make the scenario worse, obesity can increase the risks associated with sleep apnea.

This is where Zepbound plays a role as a ‘miracle drug’. It can help reduce obesity and in turn treat OSA. Reports show that with approx. 10% loss in body weight sleep apnea events reduce by 11 times in an hour.

But is all good with the new drug? Are there any side effects? Can pregnant mothers or the ones who are nursing use it without concern? Does your sleeping style affect sleep apnea?

I’ve detailed on all these facts and more below.

Zepbound: Eli Lily’s Weight Loss Drug in Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) causes breathing difficulties when you sleep due to blockage in the upper respiratory tract. This breathlessness can extend during daytime and lead to headaches, lack of energy, fatigue, risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Sleep apnea does not affect your physiology alone, but also creates an impact on your mental wellbeing.

How does ‘Zepbound’ play a role here?

OSA patients have shown positive results like relief from apnea when they were taking Zepbound as an anti-obesity pill.

Eli Lilly, the infamous drug maker announced this in their press release on 17^th April 2024.

The chemical name of Zepbound is tirzepatide and it has been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since November 2023 for chronic obesity. Previously FDA approved tirzepatide for treating Type II diabetes as Mounjaro (brand name).

Is Obesity Interrelated to Sleep Apnea?

A point to note.

One important causative factor of sleep apnea, particularly OSA, is obesity. To understand why, we need to understand how OSA develops.

If So, How? Science Behind It

In OSA our throat’s soft tissues collapse periodically leading to breathlessness. Apnea is thereby common in obese individuals as they have a thicker tissue in and around their throat.

So, obesity can cause sleep apnea. But can it be the other way round too?

Can Sleep Apnea Worsen Obesity?

Yes, people suffering from apnea tend to gain weight over time. This is because people who fail to get a peaceful night’s sleep and suffer from sleep disruption tend towards sugary foods or coffee to remain awake during daytime hours. This leads to obesity and weight gain. Lack of proper rest, can also wreck havoc in the hormonal balance of your body, causing stress and in consequence, weight gain.

For most patients losing weight can help to relieve sleep apnea. It helps to reduce approximately 11 episodes if a person loses at least 10% of their body weight on an hour basis.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Let’s get to the point.

OSA patients who were taking the anti-obesity drug Zepbound, showed fewer episodes of sleep apnea or breathlessness.

Eli Lilly extended the research further by comparing patients who used the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) sleep apnea machine for OSA and people who did not use CPAP.

The research suggests that those patients who recovered from breathing difficulties also lost a significant amount of body weight after taking Zepbound for a year. So sleep apnea showed direct proportionality with weight loss and vice versa.

Sleep Apnea Machines & Clinical Experiments

The entire research consisted of three experiments and different clinical trials.

1. 1^st Clinical Trial

The 1^st research consisted of 400 adult respondents. These participants were all suffering from OSA and clinical trials were conducted for a period of 2 years. Eli Lilly wishes to publish the analysis of the research on the 84^th session of American Diabetes Association.

Christine Ren-Fielding, MD and chief of NYU Langone’s Bariatric Surgery division, quotes:

 “Eli Lilly’s research holds promises on sleep medication to treat sleep apnea. The data is significant enough and has shown positive response in obese adults suffering from OSA.”

However, people suffering from Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) were excluded, as CSA is caused due to improper signal transmission from our brain to motor nerves and muscles involved in breathing.

Results

In the 1st study of Zepbound and its efficacy, respondents selected were obese and suffered from moderate and/or severe OSA. This refers to patients experiencing 15 episodes of breathlessness every night or even more.

2. 2^nd Case Study

In the 2^nd study involved respondents who did not prefer the CPAP sleep apnea machine-based treatment. Now this is a widely prescribed treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP treatment was replaced by weekly Zepbound injections instead.

Results

A year’s observation in the 2nd study showed that after receiving Zepbound treatment patients had fewer episodes of sleep apnea, averaging 27.4 per hour.

3. 3^rd Clinical Study

The 3^rd study comprised of respondents who used CPAP sleep apnea machine only throughout the study period. 50% of them received Zepbound and the rest underwent placebo treatment.

Results

The 3rd experiment showed that patients who were taking tirzepatide group had fewer episodes of sleep apnea, averaging 30.4 per hour. This was in comparison to average reduction of events amounting to 6 episodes per hour in placebo treatment.

In all the studies, respondents/patients had reported a significant reduction in body weight by as much as 20%.

But, every medication hold deleterious side effects, and needs to be taken after proper consultation with healthcare practitioners as they depend on your patient history, body type or genetic factors.

Zepbound as a Sleep Medication

You need professional guidance from your family medical practitioner in case you are using this drug for the first time. Open up to your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Be prepared to ask your doctor the following questions.

Q1. Would I be prone to hypoglycemia if I use Zepbound with insulin OR medicines for diabetes?

Q2. How do I manage low blood sugar levels or low BP?

Q3. Can I use Zepbound if I take birth control pills or PCOS hormonal pills orally?

Q4. Will birth control pills work when used in combination with Zepbound medication?

Q5. Can you recommend other types of contraceptive pills that I can have with Zepbound?

Questions Your Doctor May Ask You: Stay Prepared

Apart from the above questions, stay prepared to answer these questions and open up to your doctor. Be sure to provide insights about your patient history and carry your health records with you.

Q1. Are you presently suffering from any gastric problems, stomach issues, pancreatitis or kidney issues?

Q2. Do you have digestion problems or gastroparesis?

Q3. Do you often take sulfonylareas, insulin or diabetes medicines?

Q4. Are you currently on any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, vitamin supplements or herbal medicines?

Q5. Do you have a patient or a family history of diabetic retinopathy?

Q6. Are you pregnant or planning to have a child?

Q7. Do you have an infant who you are breastfeeding currently?

Q8. Have you conceived recently while on a dosage of Zepbound medication?

[Note: Apart from this information, read your prescription well and be sure to consult your doctor at every step of your treatment. Routine observation of symptoms and a visit to your practitioner is highly recommended.]

Side Effects of Zepbound

I have listed some possible side-effects of Zepbound as a sleep medication.

• Thyroid Cancer

Tirzepatide compound is known to cause thyroid tumors and even cancer. If you are suffering from troubled swallowing, breathlessness, hoarseness or a lump in your neck, pay a visit to your doctor immediately. If you have family histories of Medullary-Thyroid-Carcinoma (MTC) then please refrain from using Zepbound.

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN Type 2)

People with MEN Type 2, should not be using Zepbound as a medication for sleep apnea or obesity. This is a strict no for them.

• Allergic Reaction

In case you suffer from any allergic reaction in suing tirzepatide or Zepbound then refrain from use. Sudden swellings of your lips, throat, tongue or face followed by rashes or itching, feeling dizzy or rapid heartbeat are symptoms of allergy and you need to be cautious here.

• Common Side Effects

Indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, nausea, allergies, tiredness, hair loss, heartburn and belching are all other side effects of Zepbound injection reaction.

Please take an immediate measure, and contact your healthcare practitioner if you suffer from any of these side effects.

Sleep Apnea | Symptoms

What Happens When You Are Having a Sleep Apnea Episode?

Statistics at a Glance

• Approximately 85% of people with OSA suffer from obesity.
• 25% of men get affected with sleep apnea, in comparison to a lesser section of women (10%).
• You can suffer from this sleep disorder irrespective of your age. However, it is more prone in those above 40 years in age.

Stages of Sleep Apnea Explained

When a person has an episode the tissues inside their throat collapses and it causes breathlessness.

This causes a chain of events.

• 1^st Stage: First,the chest muscles and diaphragm start to work harder to open up the close air tract causing blood pressure changes.
• 2^nd Stage: Second,the flow of oxygen to vital body organs starts to reduce. Left untreated for long, it leads to hypertension, irregular heart rhythm, stores or cardiac arrests.
• 3^rd Stage: When the breathing finallyresumes, the body jerks. The person’s breathing starts with a loud gasping sound due to a large inflow of air into the air tract.

Sleep Apnea | Treatment

The present day treatment revolves around the symptoms of this disorder, and strategies to relieve them. For example, breathlessness is a common symptom and present day treatments are all symptomatic.

Let me detail on all the treatment procedures of sleep apnea.

1. Zepbound Tirzepatide Medication & Treatment

Now, let’s get back to Zepbound and whether you can get the drug insured.

How is Zepbound different?

The compound tirzepatide focuses not on the symptoms but on the underlying condition i.e. blocked airways.

When a person is obese, there is higher fat accumulation near and about the inner lining of the tongue and neck. This is one of the primary reasons of blocked airflow when the person is asleep. This is more prone in back sleepers i.e. people who prefer to sleep on their back rather than sleeping on the side.

Should You Get an Insurance Coverage on Zepbound?

Till date Zepbound is the brand name under which the compound tirzepatide is being sold for fighting obesity in adults. With the new research undertaken by Eli Lilly and the findings pointing out the positive results that Tirzepatide shows in sleep apnea, Zepbound’s labeling may be changed by the FDA. This will allow Zepbound to be prescribed for people with sleep apnea.

It is also true that due to high cost investment of the drug, many investment companies declined from covering this drug when it was solely being prescribed for weight loss.

Priced at $1,086.37 the drug Zepbound is highly costly but if you have an insurance coverage you will be required to pay less. Eli Lilly has come forward with a savings card which will help people without the drug’s insurance to acquire it at a price of approximately $550.

With FDA’s approval its accessibility and the process of getting it insured will become much simpler.

2. Mouth Guards & Masks

CPAP machine connects to a mask worn over the nose, mouth, or both. The consistent airflow prevents airway collapse, ensuring uninterrupted breathing.

Advantages

• Highly effective for severe OSA
• Suitable for a wide range of apnea severities
• Customizable mask styles for individual comfort

Drawbacks

• Bulky and less portable
• Can cause dryness or skin irritation
• Requires a power source and regular cleaning

3. CPAP Sleep Apnea Machine

Many people face job impairment when sleep apnea episodes simply go out of hand. Accidents and poor lifestyle issues start to surface. So, it’s best to nip the problem at the bud.

Doctors always prefer CPAP as an initial treatment strategy for OSA patients. Here, a patient wears a mask over the mouth and nose and it remains connected to a blower. This air blower pushes air through the mouth and opens the blocked trachea or respiratory tract.

However using a CPAP machine or sleep apnea mask is a temporary solution. If you want to opt for a permanent cure then reducing weight and fighting obesity is the way to go.

Thus, CPAP treatment can reduce sleep apnea but not entirely cure apnea completely. Surgical interventions like bariatric surgery can bring about a lasting resolution by reducing obesity. Likewise, Zepbound drug treatment can help you reduce weight and present a permanent solution for sleep apnea.

4. Bariatric Surgery

Even with surgical treatments like bariatric surgery and gastroplasty sleep apnea events and symptoms get reduced significantly.

Sleep apnea is potentially risky and should not be left untreated. If so, it can lead to unfavorable complications in the long term. Problems like – stroke, hypertension, congestion, heart attacks, diabetes, and arrhythmias sooner or later.

According to Mir Ali, MD, Medical Director (Orange Coast Medical Center, California),

“Surgical weight loss in patients has proved that just a few months post surgery sleep apnea patients do not require their CPAP devices and that they feel better and sleep uninterrupted for hours.”

The patients benefit from weight loss in multifaceted ways – from reduced sleep apnea episodes to improvement in pressure and diabetes.

Bariatric surgery plays a role in reducing your weight and in removing fat cells from in and around your cheeks, throat and neck. It causes remission from sleep apnea in approximately 85% patients who have undergone the surgery.

Can Sleeping Position Play a Role in Sleep Apnea?

Honestly, yes. The way you sleep or your sleeping style impacts your comfort and plays a role in either aggravating sleep apnea episodes or in relieving it.

There are 3 types of sleeping styles based on the position how you sleep.

• Side sleeper
• Back sleeper
• Stomach sleeper

Now if you are a back sleeper, and you lie down on your back while you sleep, it can increase OSA symptoms and breathlessness. In short, the severity of sleep apnea increases. Doctors thereby suggest a change in sleeping style to alleviate symptoms of both CSA and OSA.

I’ll now guide you through the types of sleeping styles so you can figure out which sleeping style is the best for you to get relief from sleep apnea and snoring.

1. Side Sleeping Position

This is the most recommended position by doctors and most chiropractors. Side sleeping is also suggested for pregnant women as it comes with a line of benefits. Sleep apnea events are characterized by breathlessness. When the soft tissues near and around your neck and tongue blocks the air cavity then it reduces airflow into the lungs, resulting in sleep apnea.

Sleeping on the side can align your air way in a way that it remains open and reduces sleep apnea events or even snoring.

But there’s something you must consider. Right side sleeping style bears different consequences from left side sleeping in terms of apnea. How? Read below.

• Right Side Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your right side is an effective way to reduce Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is due to differences in blood flow to and from your heart. The flow of blood depends on your sleeping style.

[Note: Right side sleeping position may in turn increase Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux symptoms. Sleeping on your right side relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, so if you prominently suffer from heart burn, you need to consider altering this position.]

• Left Side Sleeping Position

Doctors consider sleeping on the left side as the most advantageous sleeping style as it comes with a range of health benefits.

For example, people with GERD, need to shift to sleeping on the left side as it provides relief from apnea and GERD symptoms. Due to the shape and position of our stomach, our esophagus and our air cavity, gravity ensures that these organs remain well aligned while we sleep. It improves airflow to the lungs and reduces acid reflux.

Additionally, doctors advise pregnant people to sleep on their left side as it reduces pressure on their liver and promotes a healthy blood flow.

Facts to Consider: People who suffer from congestive heart failure should consult their doctors before choosing this sleep position. Left-side sleeping adds unneeded stress to the heart and is normally discouraged for them.

2. Back Sleepers

This is one sleeping position that I would advise you against in case you have OSA. For the obvious reason that gravity can cause your tongue and throat tissues to fall backward, closing in and clocking your airways. This leads to breathless and prominent sleep apnea episodes recurring throughout the night.

It can also exacerbate snoring issues as it narrows your airways and trachea. Overall, sleeping on your back hinders proper sleep and worsens OSA symptoms.

What Other Points Should You Consider?

• Elevate Your Back

If you prefer to sleep on your back and cannot change your sleeping style as per your doctor’s advice, I would recommend you to sleep at an elevated angle. Elevate the mattress by 45-degree or 60-degree and in this manner you can reduce the effect of gravity on your throat tissues. This can also alleviate snoring.

It’s important to note that finding the most suitable sleep position for sleep apnea may vary for each individual, and consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for personalized guidance.

• Use an Adjustable Bed

By sleeping with your head slightly elevated, an adjustable bed like iSense Hybrid can alleviate sleep apnea and snoring.

3. Stomach Sleeping Position

Stomach sleeping position may help in relieving apnea-related breathing disruptions. Like side sleeping, sleeping on your stomach prevents tour nasal air cavity from getting blocked due to gravity.

However, sleepers may face certain challenges while lying in this position – neck rotation, shoulder pain, back pain (due to inadequate spinal support).

What Other Points Should You Consider?

• CPAP device

If you use CPAP device for sleep apnea, then stomach sleeping style can pose difficulties. You need to wear a face mask in CPAP therapy and in stomach sleeping; your face may get pressed on the pillows while sleeping. It can also cause the sleep apnea mask from getting dislocated and lead to air leaks. Keep these factors in mind, while deciding on a sleeping style that aligns well with you.

• Pay attention to your mattress

When you lie on your stomach for prolonged time, your back may start to ache as the entire weight of your body exerts pressure on to your mattress. You need a supportive bed in this case, one that properly aligns your spine and helps to maintain proper spinal posture. The mattress should be medium-firm, enough to cushion your knees, hips, abdomen and chest.

Regardless of sleep apnea, you need to select the right mattress for a restful night’s sleep and overall wellbeing.

Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea isn’t limited to adults—it also affects children, often disrupting their sleep and impacting growth, behavior, and learning. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children typically results from enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or obesity. Symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue.

Effects

Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to:

• developmental delays
• poor academic performance
• behavioral issues like ADHD

Treatment

Common treatments include:

• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• CPAP therapy
• or lifestyle changes like weight management

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to restoring healthy sleep and improving overall well-being.

Smart-Take!

Sleep apnea can disrupt your life, leaving you tired and drained.

Zepbound and mouth guards offer effective solutions, each catering to specific needs. While medications like Zepbound is ideal for managing positional sleep apnea and aiding weight control, mouth guards provide a simple, portable option for mild to moderate cases.

However, in my true opinion improvement lies in holistic care and management. I’d advise you maintain a healthy weight, practice mindful eating, and adopt good sleep habits.

Embrace Kaizen to Improve Sleep

Kaizen’s philosophy teaches us that small, consistent changes lead to lasting improvement.

Start with simple steps: adjust your sleep position, try light stretches, and practice mindful eating. Gradually refine your habits, focusing on one change at a time. Simple changes like adjusting your sleep position and mild exercise/yoga can make a big impact.

Insider: Choose yourself first, cultivate happiness, and make your health a priority.

Disclaimer

The information discussed in this article is intended for general information only and should not be replaced as professional advice. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, or cure your sleep or mental health conditions. Prior to any adjustments to your sleep health routine, do consult with a qualified healthcare professional.