Different Sleep Apnea Types and How You Can Treat Them

A person with sleep apnea stops breathing during sleep. There are three forms of sleep apnea: central, obstructive, and complex. The most common of these is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it helps to know what type you might be dealing with. That way, you can look at different treatment options. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the basic types of sleep apnea to help you identify key traits.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

OSA is a sleep disorder that is caused by an obstruction of the airway. This obstruction can be due to many different things, but the most common is the tongue falling back into the throat during sleep. 

When the airway is blocked, the person will snore and sometimes stop breathing altogether, which can cause them to wake up feeling like they can’t breathe. OSA can also lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

How to Treat OSA

1) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

This is the most common treatment for OSA. A CPAP machine is a device that provides a constant flow of air through a mask that is worn during sleep. This keeps the airway open and prevents the person from snoring or stopping breathing.

However, not everyone is equipped to handle CPAP treatments. There are less invasive options to consider, such as oral devices.

2) Oral Devices

Oral devices are custom-made devices that are worn at night to keep the airway open. They are similar to a sports mouthguard and work by gently pushing the lower jaw and tongue forward. This prevents the airway from becoming blocked and keeps the person from snoring or stopping breathing.

Oral devices are a non-invasive treatment option that is comfortable to wear and does not disrupt sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. This causes the muscles to stop working properly and can lead to pauses in breathing.

Central sleep apnea is a less common type of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. This causes the muscles to stop working properly and can lead to pauses in breathing.

How to Treat Central Sleep Apnea

CPAP machines can help improve central sleep apnea for some people, but in some cases, a specialized positive airway pressure mode, such as bilevel positive airway pressure or adaptive servo-ventilation, may be necessary. These devices deliver breaths when a person stops breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS) is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Most people who have CSAS have obstructive sleep apnea, but a small number of people who have CSAS have central sleep apnea only.

People with CSAS have more severe sleep apnea and are more likely to have problems with daytime sleepiness and cognitive function than people who have obstructive sleep apnea only.

How to Treat Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The treatment for CSAS may involve a combination of interventions, including treatment for any underlying conditions and the use of CPAP or other positive airway pressure modes.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes brief interruptions in breathing during sleep. Each type has unique symptoms and requires different treatments. Although sleep apnea is a serious condition, it can be effectively treated with the help of a doctor.

Talk to professionals at Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic if you suspect you might have any of these conditions. We are one of the best sleep centers in the country that will work with you to find effective treatments. Get in touch with us today to learn how.