Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Surgery, CPAP and Oral Applications
Provides an overview of sleep apnea treatment, including use of a CPAP machine, oral applications, sleep apnea surgery and lifestyle changes.
Sleep apnea treatment varies depending on the individual. Some people find relief from sleep apnea and snoring through surgery. Others control their sleep apnea with a CPAP machine or other mechanical means. Sleep apnea treatment also includes oral applications that use dental mouthpieces, and simple lifestyle changes. Bear in mind there is no cure for sleep apnea: treatment focuses on keeping the airways open and promoting a good night's sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment: Lifestyle
Mild sleep apnea and snoring problems can sometimes resolve with lifestyle changes. Losing weight often alleviates sleep apnea symptoms, as can quitting smoking or changes in sleep position. Sleep apnea lifestyle changes often take time to establish (losing weight isn't exactly an overnight activity), so other sleep apnea treatments are often employed in combination with lifestyle changes.
CPAP Machines and Sleep Apnea
One of the most effective sleep apnea treatments is the CPAP machine. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The CPAP machine provides a constant flow of air that keeps your airways open while you breathe through a CPAP mask. There are a number of different CPAP machine and CPAP mask designs available. While not everyone gets used to using a CPAP machine, CPAP is the most effective sleep apnea treatment.
Surgery and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Surgical sleep apnea treatment is an option if CPAP machines prove ineffective. Surgical correction of sleep apnea removes tissue from the throat or nose that blocks the airway passages. Snoring may also be corrected surgically be removing tissue that vibrates while sleeping.
Oral Applications and Dental Solutions
Oral applications are generally less effective than CPAP machines but less invasive than surgery. Sleep apnea oral applications are mouthpiece devices that keep the throat open by altering the position of the jaw and tongue.
Central Sleep Apnea Treatment
Central sleep apnea requires different treatment options than obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines are used to treat central sleep apnea, as are Bilevel PAP and AVS (two sleep apnea treatments related to the CPAP). Supplemental oxygen may help with central sleep apnea, but for effective relief the underlying condition that causes central sleep apnea must be treated.
Sleep Apnea Treatment and Children
Sleep apnea is most often associated with adults, but children can develop the sleep disorder. Snoring children may benefit from sleep apnea treatment. Snoring and sleep apnea in children is often due to large tonsils, so a tonsillectomy may be the only sleep apnea treatment required.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Resources
American Sleep Apnea Association. (May 2005). Treatment Options for Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (20 June 2006). Sleep Apnea: Treatment.
Natyional Library of Medicine. (8 July 2006). Sleep Apnea.
