There are various sleep apnea treatments available depending upon which type of sleep apnea you have. If you have not had a sleep study done yet, we urge you to do so as soon as possible. There’s no excuse for living with a condition that can be as easily diagnosed and treated as this can.
Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, the air passages become blocked because soft tissues around the throat and nasal passages also relax thus impeding the free flow of air.
Central sleep apnea or CSA occurs during sleep. There is an imbalance in the brain’s respiratory control center disrupting the signals between the brain and the diaphragm muscles that control breathing.
Sleep apnea treatments include several sleep apnea machines to treat OSA. One treatment option is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy or CPAP. A mask which is hooked to a machine that supplies air under constant pressure is worn over the mouth and nose while sleeping. Positive air pressure is utilized to keep the user’s airways open.
Another treatment option is a BIPAP or bi-level adjustable airway pressure device. This device automatically adjusts the air pressure while exhaling. More pressure is provided when inhaling and less when exhaling making it easier to exhale for many users.
Oral appliances are also useful sleep apnea treatments for OSA. These appliances can keep the throat open by helping to keep the jaw and tongue in proper alignment when lying down. These are easier to use than the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and BI-Level Positive Airway machines but the latter are often more effective.
Other treatments are as simple as adjusting your sleep position, losing weight, and quitting smoking. Any one of these can have a huge impact on your sleep apnea issues.
Tags: Sleep Apnea Treatments