Treatment
in the 1970's tracheostomy was considered the standard treatment of OSA. Today, patients can be effectively treated with a variety of devices designed to overcome the anatomical obstruction. Positivie airway pressure devices (CPAP and BILEVEL) are considered first line therapy in the treatment of OSA. CPAP and BILEVEL devices apply predetermined airflow pressure that prevents the airway from collapsing and causing an obstruction (Hess, 2012, p. 964-965). CPAP is only one set pressure that is maintained throughout the breathing cycle. BILEVEL devices allows for tow preset airflow values, one for inspiration and one for exhalation. Another popular positivie airway pressure deivce is the auto-titating PAP machine. When an auto-pap detects an obstruction, it adjusts airflow pressure to overcome the obstruction.
Weight loss is beneficial to OSA patients that are overweight or obese. Weight loss seldom reverses OSA, but frequently improves symptoms of OSA and reduces AHI scores, resulting in better quality of sleep and lower positive airway pressure levels.
Oral appliances are also considered first line therapy in the treatment of OSA. Oral appliances are used to enlarge the oropharynx by either advancing the mandible or stabilizing the tongue in a forward position (Hess, 2012, p. 966).
Surgery is usually reserved for sleep apnea disorders that cannot be treated effectively by other less invasive means. The exact type of surgical procedure depends on anatomical cause of the obstruction. Uvulopalatopharygoplasty (UPPP) is the most common surgical procedure. UPPP doesn't improve symptoms of severe OSA or in obese patients. Other surgical procedures have been used to enlarge the upper airway, but success varies (Hess, 2012, p. 963-967).
Central sleep apnea treatment is very similar to the treatment of OSA. Weight loss is encouraged if patients are overweight or obese. Patients are encouraged to abstain from alcohol and sleeping pills, especially narcotics and opioids. If apnaes are positional (most often when lying on their back), then avoidance of the position is beneficial. This can be achieved by lying on your side and using pillows to avoid that position. A tennis ball placed secured onto the back of a shirt deters rolling onto the back. Nasal sprays are often helpful in the presence of sinus congestion and pressure. Improving sleeping habits and routines will aid in avoiding sleep deprivation. The use of positive airway pressure is also very useful in the treatment of central sleep apnea (WebMD, 2017).
MIxed sleep apnea treatment vaires from person to person. There is no universal preferred treatment forthose diagnosed with mixed apneas. Available treatments include supplemental oxygen, positive airway pressure, and some prescription drugs to overcome certain neurological disorders, along with weight management and position correction. (Des & Burton, 1995; & Hess, 2012).