Treatment

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The most common cause of sleep apnea is due to an obstruction of the upper airway. The type of treatment that is best recommended would depend on the factors that cause the obstruction. This condition, OSA, does not have a recognized cure, but can be effectively treated to manage symptoms and decrease any long-term effects to health.

Although sleep therapy treatment depends on each individual’s case and the severity (mild, moderate or severe) of sleep apnea symptoms, treatment can vary from changes to your lifestyle, CPAP therapy, dental appliances or surgery.

Healthy Lifestyle

For individuals who experience a mild case of obstructive sleep apnea can benefit greatly from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It has been proven that maintaining a healthy lifestyle it may have a positive effect on decreasing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea through:

  • Weight Loss
  • Well Balanced Diet
  • Exercise
  • Eliminating Smoking
  • Limiting Alcohol Intake

Oral Appliance

Individuals who experience a mild to moderate case of sleep apnea, who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, may have an alternative solution with the use of oral appliances (or better known as dental appliances) in order to treat their sleep apnea condition. Oral appliances prevent the tongue from blocking the airway passage by keeping the throat open. A certified dental practitioner, professionally trained in sleep medicine, can provide in-office dental appliance fittings at CanSleep locations. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact CanSleep Services.

Positional Retraining

Certain sleep positions can result in loud snoring or obstruction of the upper airway. RestoreSleep.net’s affiliated CanSleep clinics, can provide comfortable sleep aid solutions that will assist in modifying individual’s sleep positions and help to create healthy sleep patterns.

CPAP Therapy

The most popular and effective sleep apnea treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy. CPAP Therapy consists of a medical device that delivers a quiet and gentle continuous airflow through a mask over one’s nose and/or mouth, which keeps the airway open and prevents the throat from collapsing while sleeping. For further information regarding CPAP Therapy devices contact a Clinical Therapist at one of RestoreSleep.net’s affiliated CanSleep clinics.

Surgery

For cases that are refractory to medical management, individuals may be referred to a Sleep Surgery Specialist for consultation on surgical options to repair an obstructed airway. The purpose of surgery is to increase the upper airway size and caliber to improve airflow. Targeted therapies are employed in multi-level fashion. This can include nasal, throat or tongue deficiencies that may be causing blockages and vibrations, which leads to snoring and OSA.