Sleep Apnea Treatment

Positive airway pressure therapy

Positive airway pressure therapy is widely regarded as the most effective way to treat OSA and certain types of central sleep apnea (CSA). It works by creating a “pneumatic splint” for the upper airway, preventing the soft tissues of the upper airway from narrowing and collapsing. Pressurized air is sent from a therapy device through air tubing and a mask that patients wear over their face, through to the upper airway. As a result of positive airway pressure therapy, patients with severe sleep apnea may experience a return to a normal sleep pattern once his or her sleep debt resolves. 

CPAP, APAP and bi-level therapy

Positive airway pressure therapy can be delivered in a number of modes:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which delivers pressurized air at one fixed pressure.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) therapy – which automatically adjusts pressure levels based on a patient’s breathing – may be particularly suited to patients with REM-related sleep apnea, positional apnea or those who are noncompliant with standard CPAP therapy.

Bi-level therapy – which provides higher inspiratory pressure and lower expiratory pressure – can also be effective for certain patients who are non-compliant. Bi-level therapy can be used to treat conditions other than obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is the first line of treatment for a wide-range of respiratory disorders.

Alternative treatment options

A mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is an effective alternative to positive airway pressure therapy for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, have failed or are intolerant of positive airway pressure therapy.