CPAP Therapy

The most common treatment of OSA is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, pronounced “see-pap”. It is effective in almost all cases. CPAP therapy provides light air pressure to hold the airway open and, as a result, allows uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Normally the air is delivered through a small mask worn over the nose during sleep. There are many different types of masks, and finding the most comfortable one is very important.

Whilst this may look a bit daunting at first once you will quickly find that putting on your CPAP becomes part of your regular routine. Please look at the equipment available for all the different options.


Life Style Change

In some people lifestyle changes are enough to control snoring and possibly OSA. However this is generally limited to patients with mild sleep apnea. If you are very tired it is very hard to exercise and lose weight. Once treated with CPAP many patients find they have far more energy.


Other Treatments

Many of the treatments that appear in the media and on the internet are generally overhyped, not very well tolerated and not very effective. If you are considering one of these other treatments we urge you to discuss it with a Qualified Sleep Physician. Click here to request an Appointment.


Dental Devices

How do Dental Devices work?

These devices are normally custom-made by dentists and are designed to be worn while sleeping. By moving the jaw forward the tongue is repositioned to keep the airway open. The airway is also dilated by forces on other upper airway muscles.

CPAP is the standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Studies demonstrate that Dental Devices, which advance the jaw, are effective for only a few patients with in the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

You should always have a sleep study and consult with a Qualified Sleep Physician (Not a dentist) to confirm that a Dental Device will be effective and suitable for you. Click Here to request a bulk billed consultation.

In the past, many patients have chosen a dental device without consulting a sleep doctor have then found the dental device not to be effective. At present there are no longer term compliance studies of patients using Dental Devices.

If you are purchasing a dental device with money back guarantee read the small print very carefully. Most will only give you a refund if within 30 days you manage to have a full polysomnagraphic sleep study that proves it doesn’t work.


Surgery

Originally, the only treatment option for OSA was Tracheostomy (putting a hole in the throat). Fortunately, this is rarely needed now. Surgery is a select treatment option only for patients usually with heavy snoring only and involves the removal of soft tissue from the back of the throat.

Most studies looking at the effectiveness of snoring are short term or have had incomplete follow up.

Many patients who went through this very painful surgery now use CPAP and have other problems such as food coming out of their nose.


Healthy Lifestyle

   • Enjoy a variety foods especially fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits.
   • Select lower fat dairy products and leaner cuts of meat.
   • Drink plenty of water.
   • Exercise 30 minutes per day (make sure you sweat).
   • Make your own lunch and take it to work.
   • Avoid snacking between meals.
   • Eat three meals a day.
   • Avoid eating after 8pm.
   • Moderate alcohol intake - try to avoid 4 hours before bedtime.