Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

When Obstructive Sleep Apnea goes without treatment, there can be serious consequences. Obstructive Sleep Apnea has been linked to life threatening illnesses such as stroke, hypertension and heart failure just to name a few. This sleep disorder will also cause many difficulties in everyday life due to extreme daytime sleepiness. This is due to interrupted sleep throughout the night. There have been car accidents and even workplace accidents related to sleep apnea.

There are a number of noninvasive treatments for Sleep Apnea and some are just steps to try before purchasing any sort of equipment. First, try a different sleep position, instead of sleeping on the back try sleeping on your side. When someone sleeps on his or her back, especially someone who is overweight, pressure is put on the neck and narrows the airway for breathing. In my opinion, the best (and most difficult) noninvasive treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is weight loss. The majority of people that have Sleep Apnea are people that are overweight. The loss of weight will decrease the fatty deposits in the neck and throat and open up the obstructed airway. It is also strongly suggested to avoid alcohol and sedatives if you have sleep apnea.

Equipment like the new CPAP machines are used for the treatment of moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The new CPAP machines are smaller and more convenient than the older models. When using a CPAP machine air pressure is delivered to the attached mask and keeps the airway open. This prevents the muscles in the back of the throat from collapsing and closing the airway. The older CPAP machines used to be big and clunky and very loud, with the new CPAP machines it’s a little more convenient and comfortable. Although there are places that a CPAP may be purchased it is not recommended to purchase a CPAP without a prescription. It is very important to consult with a physician or a sleep specialist to find what the best method for treating your Sleep Apnea may be.