Here in Germany, "Mandibular advancement splint"[1] is a popular device recommended by doctors for less severe apnea cases. I was diagnosed with a light apnea and now I am getting this device as my test results showed that a CPAP treatment would be overkill but this could help. I am afraid I can't share more experiences as I am waiting the device to be prepared after 2 hours of dentist visit where they took some measurements.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandibular_advancement_splint

Sorry I can't be more helpful, as I have no good answer. I do have good periods and bad periods.

Though not massively overweight (26.5 BMI), better eating and fitness habits seemed to have helped. Still working on getting to a healthier shape. Depending on the type of apnea, this can help a good deal.

Less electronics/screens in the evening. No more streaming tv/video games until right before bed. Jury's still out on the effects of blue light etc but I really try to limit my electronics to a Kindle (Oasis with the warm color temp feature) before bed.

I admit I didn't try too hard with different masks/setups, that could help. Though I was mostly using one of the most comfortable "nasal pillow" interfaces already.

I will second another commenter's suggestion of a more elevated pillow setup. I use a regular pillow with a buckwheat hull pillow on top. Bad for my neck but I've slept that way for awhile and have adjusted, it's hard to go back to a "more optimal pillow height".

For me, it's a combination of always ensuring my sinuses stay open and proper head placement for the mask to stay tight. Google "ayr gel" - I use the gel specifically. In dry periods or for congestion, that seems to (often) be enough to keep my sinuses open. For my current cpap mask I have to lay flat with no pillows for a proper fit. Then there's all the sleep hygiene stuff - no lights, proper bedroom temperature (cold), etc. (No lights means no lights - not even reflections from hall lights or the indicator lights from electronics can be tolerated.)

There's a couple of sleep apnea forums that might be helpful to you; I like http://www.apneaboard.com/

Before I got my CPAP set up the one thing I found that really helped me was sleeping on an inclined pillow, up about 20 degrees. Not comfortable but helped me breathe. There are other treatments for sleep apnea if CPAP isn't working for you; some surgical options, oral appliances, fancier breathing machines. Worth talking to a sleep specialist doctor about.

>(apologies about derailing into subthread)

this is the natural evolution of a conversation. i feel no apology should be necessary. taking a conversation to new related directions is often where that Aha! or Eureka! moment is found.

personally, i find people that get upset and feel an apology is warranted are people i find quite boring to have a conversation with

Well I broke up with my long term girlfriend and complaints about my sleep apnea stopped. Not sure if this approach is viable for you, but it will solve most peoples’ sleep apnea problem (snoring annoying other people).

Other good ideas are to try one of the mouth guards or a new pillow that keeps your head/throat area sort of tight.