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Treatment Options
Our physician will recommend and initiate a treatment plan. Your plan may include: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bi-Level PAP, Oxygen, Mandibular Advancement Device, a weight loss program or surgical intervention (as specified).
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). The CPAP machine filters room air and sends it through a hose and mask at a pressure that is required to keep the patient’s airway from collapsing allowing them to breathe normally while asleep. A constant positive pressure is used while the patient is inhaling and exhaling. The pressurized air acts as an airway splint.
Bi-Level PAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) is somewhat similar to CPAP. The difference is that CPAP delivers one continuous pressure and Bi-level PAP delivers two different pressures to treat OSA. One pressure is delivered when the patient is inhaling and another lower pressure is delivered when the patient in exhaling. Two main purposes of Bi-level PAP are to help increase patient compliance and to treat central apneas. Some patients who require a high CPAP level have difficulty tolerating these higher pressures and bi-level management therapy is usually helpful in increasing tolerance. Patients who have been diagnosed with central sleep apnea often do not benefit from CPAP therapy and may respond better to Bi-level PAP.
Supplemental O2
Oxygen therapy is sometimes indicated for patients whose blood oxygen levels remain low even after CPAP or B-level PAP treatment. In cases like these supplemental oxygen is needed to increase their blood oxygen to safe levels. Generally, supplemental O2 is used after CPAP has been titrated to prevent airway obstructions.
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
A mandibular advancement device, also referred to as a dental or oral appliance is used to reposition the lower jaw and hold it forward so the airway does not collapse during the night. This appliance is helpful in maintaining the airway of some patients who have mild OSA or snoring without OSA. This device is usually fitted by a dentist or orthodontist.
Surgery
Some patients require surgical intervention to open or increase their airway diameter by correcting deformities of the nasal passage, throat and the lower jaw. There are several surgical procedures available, but complete success cannot be guaranteed by any one procedure. More than one procedure may be indicated before the patient experiences treatment success. CPAP therapy may also be more effective in conjunction with surgical intervention. For more information on surgery as treatment, see your sleep physician.
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