Sleep apnea is a disorder that can seriously affect one’s quality of life as it is a hindrance to a good night’s sleep, leads to chronic tiredness and daytime sleepiness. It can also be fatal. But due to the availability of various treatments for sleep apnea, the problems posed by this disorder can be solved easily. In this article, we explore the various treatments available to treat sleep apnea:

1. PAP therapy

One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. This procedure uses a face mask-like device to provide a constant flow of air, ensuring regular breathing.

These devices are of great help in making sure you sleep peacefully and don’t experience breathing difficulties. Problems like snoring during sleep are also resolved. There are different devices for PAP therapy such as:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): It is one of the most popular devices used. This device is suitable for those who have severe to moderate sleep apnea problems. The air pressure is set higher than that of the air outside. A mask delivers air continuously.
• Auto CPAP: In this device, there is no need to set the air pressure. It changes automatically depending on various parameters.
• BPAP: A bi-level PAP device delivers air at different pressures while inhaling and exhaling. It is especially helpful for those who have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

2. Dental appliances

Mandibular Advancement Device is a dental appliance that is useful for those having mild to moderate sleep apnea issues. This device helps in moving the lower jaw forward so that there is no obstruction while breathing. It helps to keep the airways open so that there are no breathing difficulties.

This device is suitable for those who find it difficult to use PAP devices. It must be prescribed by a doctor and not bought directly from the market.

3. Surgery

When devices do not help in getting the right treatment results, or when there are structural problems in the nose and throat, then surgery is a good solution. Surgery is a permanent solution to sleep apnea. It is also suitable for those who don’t have sleep apnea but have problems with snoring. The various types of surgeries that can be carried out are:

• Nasal surgery: It is done to fix obstructions in the nose causing breathing difficulties. If the septum (the bridge between nostrils) has deviated, it can be fixed surgically.
• Tonsillectomy: Enlarged tonsils can cause sleep apnea, especially in small children. Removal of the tonsils can help solve this problem.
• Somnoplasty: Excess tissue in the airways can act as an obstruction to taking proper breaths, causing breathing difficulties. Somnoplasty involves the use of radiofrequency waves to reduce this tissue.
• UPPP: This procedure (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) removes the soft tissue from the palate or back of the throat that is obstructing the airways and causing breathing problems.
• Mandibular maxillomandibular advancement surgery: Where problems with facial bones affect breathing, this surgery can help in fixing the issue. It is a major procedure that is invasive.

Those suffering from this disorder can undergo any of these treatments for sleep apnea to solve their problems and lead a normal life.