What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
A person diagnosed with sleep apnea will require a personalised treatment plan devised by a sleep specialist and taking into account factors such as
- the severity of the condition
- the patient’s age and lifestyle
- any identified causes or triggers
- the person’s individual risk factors associated with possible comorbidities
Your medical practitioner will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment to manage your sleep apnea. Solutions and treatment may include:
For milder cases
- CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) involves using a machine that delivers a steady stream of air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep
- MAS (Mandibular advancement splint): an oral appliance designed to bring the lower jaw forward and prevent or minimise the narrowing of the upper airway
- EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure)
- Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
- Treatment for any allergies
For moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea (or if mild sleep apnea does not improve with lifestyle changes)
- CPAP Therapy
- Other airway pressure devices that adjust during use and deliver more pressure when inhaling and less when exhaling (Bi-level devices are generally used to treat specific sleep disorders and should be used under the supervision of a sleep physician)
- Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Sleep apnea is a condition that requires greater awareness as many live with it either unaware they have it or with little understanding of the potential consequences of not managing it. The right information and support are essential to ensuring that people living with sleep apnea can get the right diagnosis and treatment.