Treatment includes Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Auto-Adjusted Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) or Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), weight management and careful attention to other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking. CPAP (or APAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is highly effective if used properly and consistently. Oral devices may improve or alleviate mild cases of OSA and snoring. Surgical intervention may be considered in selected cases.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the most common way to successfully treat all types of Sleep Apnea. It consists of a device which gently delivers air down the airway through a mask. The positive air acts as a “splint” which prevents the airway from collapsing, thereby maintaining an open airway throughout the night. PAP devices are divided into:
- Constant CPAP: A CPAP machine is designed to deliver a constant pressure throughout the night. Each patient requires a different amount of air pressure, which is determined through the Titration test.
- Auto CPAP: An Auto-Adjusted CPAP or APAP machine will automatically adjust the pressure as needed, which tends to reduce the average pressure delivered throughout the night, resulting in a higher level of patient compliance.
- BiPAP: A Bi-Level or BiPAP machine is designed to deliver two pressures – an inhalation (IPAP) pressure and an exhalation (EPAP) pressure. BiPAP is usually recommended for patients with high pressure settings or patients who suffer from Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
- Non-Invasive Ventilation: BiPAP Non-Invasive Ventilation is a form of respiratory support delivered through a close-circuit facemask. Non-invasive ventilation is used in acute respiratory failure caused by a number of medical conditions:
- BiPAP therapy is often prescribed for patients with high pressure settings or low oxygen levels.
- BiPAP machines are often used if CPAP therapy has failed to adequately treat a patient.
- BiPAP machines can be helpful for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, such as congestive heart failure.
- BiPAP therapy is often prescribed to patients with central sleep apnea, lung disorders or certain neuromuscular disorders.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular devices, more commonly known as oral appliances, are a treatment option for mild OSA and snoring. The oral appliance pulls the lower jaw forward and holds it in position so that the soft throat tissues do not collapse into the airway, causing sleep apnea and snoring.
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be considered in selected cases.
