Obstructive sleep apnea causes your throat (upper airway) to collapse or close while you’re sleeping. The condition interferes with breathing and decreases oxygen levels in your blood, which can lead to serious health problems.
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine pumps constant air pressure into your upper airway to keep it open while you sleep. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may also receive a BiPAP, APAP or oral device.
Innovative Sleep Apnea Treatments for a Better Night’s Sleep
Sleep apnea treatments happen when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to your breathing-related muscles. It can be hard to treat, but it’s important because sudden drops in blood oxygen levels put you at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. You might have central sleep apnea if you snore, wake up often in the middle of the night, feel tired during the day or have a family history of nervous system disorders like Lou Gehrig’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Treatment for obstructive and central sleep apnea includes lifestyle changes and breathing or oral devices. Your doctor will ask about your diet, medications, and your family history of sleep apnea. You might need a physical exam to check your weight, your neck size and other features that could contribute to the condition. You might need a second sleep study if your first one shows no improvement or you have new symptoms. You might need surgery for obstructive sleep apnea if CPAP and other non-surgical treatments don’t help. Possible surgeries include a nasal septoplasty to correct a deviated septum, jaw surgery or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty to take out tissue that can block your airway, and mandibular advancement splints to pull your lower jaw forward.