There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. In all types, your breathing starts and stops when you're asleep. In the obstructive type, your throat muscles relax too much. With the central type, your brain fails to control the muscles that regulate breathing. While complex sleep apnea is a combination of both types. It can be a dangerous condition. If you suspect that you have it, see your doctor about diagnosis and your treatment options.
CPAP and BiPAP
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This is a machine that provides air pressure through a mask as you sleep. It keeps airway passages open. There are a few different types of masks to choose from. However, if you find the pressure from CPAP doesn't work for you, ask your doctor about BiPAP. BiPAP stands for bilevel positive airway pressure, and is similar to CPAP, except that it provides two different levels of pressure. It automatically decreases air pressure when you exhale, and increases pressure when you inhale.
Oral Appliance
An oral appliance is less cumbersome than a CPAP machine, but it also may be less effective. The device forces your jaw forward as you sleep, which can help to keep your throat open. Ask your dentist about finding the right appliance with the right fit for you.
Lifestyle
Some lifestyle changes can help to lessen the effects of the condition. Losing excess weight can help alleviate some constrictions in the throat. Try to avoid sleeping on your back, which tends to encourage the soft palate and tongue to block the airway. Don't use sleeping pills or alcohol, as they cause certain muscles to relax and create breathing difficulties. Consider using a saline nasal spray at night to help keep the airway open.
UPPP
There are several surgical options for treating sleep apnea. UPPP is short for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which is a procedure in which the surgeon removes tissue from the top of the throat, the back of the mouth and often the tonsils and adenoids. The shortcoming of this procedure is that air passages farther down in the throat still may become blocked.
Other Surgeries
Another surgical option is a maxillomandibular adjustment. This surgery creates more space behind the soft palate, which decreases the chances for obstruction. It's done by moving the jaw forward. A tracheostomy can be considered if your sleep apnea is potentially life-threatening and other treatment options are insufficient. In this procedure, a hole is created in your throat through which a tube is inserted to allow adequate breathing.
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