The most effective way to treat Sleep Apnoea is with CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) or APAP (Automatic Positive Air Pressure) and most sleep physicians recommend it is better to try CPAP or APAP before pursuing other forms of treatment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is an extremely serious disorder and often goes undiagnosed. It is estimated 20% of the population suffer from Sleep Apnoea. Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea is easy and affordable and it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Sleep Apnoea is associated other serious health conditions including Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Conditions and Obesity. If you suffer from these conditions you are at high risk of also having Sleep Apnoea.
How Does CPAP Work?
The pressure from CPAP/APAP is applied continuously during the night while you sleep. It has been likened to blowing up a bicycle tyre that has become deflated. When the correct pressure is applied via a small mask, the airway is sufficiently opened to allow regular unobstructed breathing, controlling apnoea events and snoring. The body’s oxygen levels remain stable and sleep is no longer disrupted. A CPAP/APAP machine only opens your airway and does not breathe for you or supply oxygen.
Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnoea
Unfortunately a number of people with Sleep Apnoea do not tolerate CPAP and turn to other treatments such as surgery to the airway or an oral appliance. The following information should give you some understanding of these alternatives.
Lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of obstructive Sleep Apnoea and in some cases of mild OSA, these changes may be all that is need to successfully treat the disorder.