COMMON TREATMENTS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

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CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP)

CPAP remains the gold standard in treating sleep apnea and some related sleep disorders. CPAP keeps your airway from becoming blocked by blowing a constant air pressure into your nasal passage. The air pressure acts as a splint that physically pushes the tissue that is obstructing the airway aside, hence, opening the airway. CPAP therapy stops snoring immediately and allows the patient to sleep uninterrupted. Quality of life issues tend to resolve themselves either immediately or soon after a patient begins therapy.

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BI-LEVEL POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (BIPAP)

BIPAP is an alternative to CPAP. BIPAP therapy is an advanced pressure system that delivers a higher pressure when a patient inhales and a lower pressure on exhalation. This form of therapy is designed for patients that have difficulties with a one-pressure system such as CPAP.

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SOMNOPLASTY

Somnoplasty is an FDA approved procedure for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Somnoplasty is a surgery performed under anesthesia that shrinks the soft tissue in the upper airway as well as at the base of the tongue, which is the source of obstruction most difficult to treat.

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ORAL APPLICATIONS

Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are small plastic devices that are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards. These appliances help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep and promoting adequate air intake. Currently, there are approximately 70 different oral appliances available. Oral appliances may be used alone or in combination with other means of treating OSA, including general health and weight management, surgery, or CPAP.

For further information please visit the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
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