Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very important if diagnosed. When left untreated, it can lead to day time sleepiness, and fatigue. Severe consequences like uncontrolled hypertension, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, and strokes can also occur.

Currently, there are multiple treatment options available for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Positive airway pressure therapy with CPAP or BiPAP is the gold standard therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

The following is the list of treatment options for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Positive Airway Pressure Therapy:

Positive airway pressure therapy is the gold standard, most effective, and well-known treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. Both CPAP and BiPAP treatments can eliminate apneas (near-complete obstruction of the throat) and hypopneas (partial obstruction of the throat).

To get started with CPAP or BiPAP therapy, you will need a doctor’s prescription. CPAP or BiPAP maintains positive pressure in the throat during inspiration and expiration.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) Therapy Devices:

EPAP therapy is an acceptable alternative treatment option for those who are intolerant to CPAP for mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These EPAP devices allow air in without resistance during inhalation. They have valves that close during exhalation letting the air out through a small hole, creating positive airway pressure. This positive airway pressure stabilizes and opens up upper airway during exhalation.

Provent and Bongo Rx treat mild and moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Both are FDA approved, and require a doctor’s prescription.

Optipillows EPAP device does not require a doctor’s prescription. Resistance levels can be adjusted during exhale to meet your desired comfort level on Optipillows.

EPAP devices do not require a power source, tubing, and they are less expensive. This option is not appropriate for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Other Treatment Options

Other treatment options, such as oral appliances, positional treatments, surgical options, and weight loss, will be discussed in future US Tele Sleep blogs. More information is available at www.ustelesleep.com