Effective treatment for OSA
CPAP therapy is a successful treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There is a range of CPAP machines and masks available, and we look at some that are suitable for side sleepers.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s airways become blocked. People with OSA may temporarily stop breathing in their sleep. It is a serious condition that requires treatment.
Often, the airways become blocked because soft tissues in the throat collapse and close when a person relaxes during sleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, sleep apnea is as common as type 2 diabetes, affecting about 18 million people in the United States.
Anyone can have sleep apnea, but males over 40 who have overweight are more likely to have the condition.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for OSA.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
While CPAP therapy is the primary treatment for sleep apnea, it does not cure the condition.
In addition to a CPAP machine, the American Lung Association recommend the following lifestyle changes:
- losing weight
- quitting smoking
- avoiding certain sleep positions (e.g., lying on one’s back)
- avoiding alcohol and other sedatives
An article in Neurology Clinical Practice indicates that mandibular advancement (MA) devices are an alternative to CPAP machines for people with mild sleep apnea.
An MA fits inside a person’s mouth and moves the jaw forward to help prevent airway obstruction.
CPAP is an effective treatment for OSA symptoms. However, finding the correct mask is an essential factor in sticking to this type of therapy.
