Previously, most respiratory physicians would prescribe nightly use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of OSA. This method involves wearing a facemask connected to a pump that forces air into the air passages while the patient sleeps. The pressure of the machine is set high enough to overcome any obstruction.
Many patients find this treatment uncomfortable or intolerable and seek an alternate treatment method such as the SomnoDent® MAS.
How CPAP works
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a device that treats OSA by providing a stream of air pressure through a tube acting as a splint, to hold the upper airway open and prevent collapse. Use of this device requires a sleep study to determine the proper pressure to use. In this way, when a person sleeps, even if his/her throat muscles relax, the breathing passage stays open. CPAP is administered by placing a mask with adequate seal over the mouth, nose or both and attaching it to a low-pressure generator. The higher the pressure, the more uncomfortable the treatment can be. Patient's required level of pressure can change over time. Subsequently, a follow up sleep study should be performed if the efficacy of CPAP treatment appears to change.
Disadvantages of using CPAP
CPAP treatment for OSA is very effective if the patient is willing to use the device. Unfortunately, due to the often uncomfortable and invasive nature of this treatment method CPAP has a relatively low compliance rate.