TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SLEEP APNOEA
APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure)
The APAP automatically titrates air pressure depending on the current state of the airway. When the airway collapses (an apnoea occurs) it is detected by the flow sensor in the APAP which then responds by gently increasing the air pressure to reopen the airway.
The APAP then drops the pressure away when the apnoea has stopped. This increase and decrease of pressure continues through out the night to treat apnoeic events and keep the pressure minimal to ensure a good nights sleep.
CPAP Fixed Presure
Fixed pressure devices are the original technology for treating obstructive sleep apnoea. This device gently increases air pressure to a single set level and remains at that pressure for the night.
The level of pressure is determined by an overnight diagnostic and titration study in a sleep lab or by temporary use of an Automatic CPAP device.
Bilevel Devices
Bilevel or VPAP devices are designed to treat more complicated sleep-breathing disorders such as central sleep apnoea or Cheyne Stokes respiration.
Splint
You can obtain a mandibular splint from your dentist or a similar product designed for short term use from National Clinical Services or your chemist, to treat mild sleep apnoea.
The splint is similar to a mouth guard and is worn while sleeping to hold your bottom jaw forward therefore opening your airway.
SPEAK TO YOUR SPECIALIST
If you are unsure whether to treat your sleep apnoea or about your treatment options you can speak with your specialist or sleep clinician.
These professionals have useful information and can point you in the right direction. Here at National Clinical Services, we welcome inquiries from our own patients and other interested people.
Given some of our practices are regional, we are happy to organise telehealth conferencing for our patients to speak with the specialist who composed their sleep study report.