Devices for Sleep Apnea

Generally, the first line of treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure are machines that supply pressurised air through a flexible tube and mask fitted over the nose and mouth while you sleep. It is most commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea sufferers as they don't receive enough air into the lungs.

These are similar to CPAPs with the general exception that bi-level (or two level) positive airway pressure delivers two pressures, an inhalation and an exhalation positive pressure, whereas as CPAP delivers single continuous pressure.

BiPAPs can also be set to deliver a breath when a person sleeping doesn't breathe for a programmed amount of time.

BiPAPs are suited for those suffering from central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea,, or those that don't tolerate CPAPs well. CPAP users can find it difficult to exhale against the constant pressurised air and feel as though they are required to force their breath out.

Generally used to treat central sleep apnea and sometimes complex sleep apnea, ASV are machines that continuously monitor the breathing of patients. Pressure is continuously adjusted to trigger breathing when needed based on the patient's breathing pattern. 

While ASVs can be effective, they are not recommended for every central sleep apnea patient. It can increase the risk of heart failure for those suffering serious heart conditions.

They also generally come with a high price tag.  It is for these two reasons why we recommend seeking professional medical advice before commiting to using an ASV system. 

Unlike CPAPs and BiPAPs, nasal EPAPs are nasal devices which creates positive airway pressure during the exhalation process. The theory is that airway collapse and resulting sleep apnea is more likely to occur when exhaling. The device is worn over the nostrils and contains and contains a valve, which allows air to flow in during inhalation, and then partially closes during exhalation creating slow gentle pressure. 

A benefit of the EPAP is that pressure is created naturally using your own breathing, which some experts argue is better than pressure being on the body. It also has the added benefit of not requiring complex machinery, water or electrical support.

For the treatment of mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those with severe sleep apnea that don't tolerate CPAPs, mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are mouthguards that are worn to bed at night. Designed to hold the mandible and tongue forward, they help the airway stay open. 

Options for mouth devices range from:

Mandibular advancement devices have been shown to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Their efficacy is comparable to CPAPs for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea sufferers and offer the following benefits such as greater comfort, portability and ease of use. Side effects can include initial discomfort as the jaw is pushed forward. Regular dental check ups are recommended as over the long time, there may be tooth movement and changes to your bite.