Devices used for Sleep Apnea

Surgery is always second best. If you can do something else, it's better -  Dr. John Kirklin

As the saying goes, a patient has to first seek the help of support devices which might be a saviour from sleep apnea. These devices are used by patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea. The main purpose of this treatment is to breathe normally during sleep. Additionally it helps avoiding snoring, choking and to reduce the risk of blood pressure, stroke and cardiac arrest. The following are the devices used in the treatment of sleep apnea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

This method is used for both obstructive and central sleep apnea.  In this method the patient's nose is covered using a mask through which air is blown at a pre-determined pressure level into the throat.  The pressure level varies based on the individual. The required level of air pressure keeps the airways from closing up or obstructing throughout the night.  It totally controls the snoring but not the sleep apnea.  Once the device is removed all the symptoms reappear. The disadvantages of this method are dry or stuffy nose, irritation of the facial skin, bloated stomach, sore eyes and headache.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dental devices

Listed below are the dental devices used to open up the airway for free air flow from the nasal passage to the lungs.

- Oral Mandibular Advancement Devices
- Splints
- Functional magnetic system
- Custom fit plastic mouth piece

Oral mandibular advancement devices, are used for mild to moderate apnea.  They help in moving the lower jaw forward when the person is lying down.  These devices help keep the airway open whilst the person is asleep.

Splints are another type of oral devices which are used to hold the tongue in a fixed position to keep the airway open.

The Functional magnetic system is another type of oral device where two magnets positioned on opposite sides of the jaw are used to keep the airway open.   Periodic checkups are required in this method as a follow up to ensure that it is working.

A Custom-fit plastic mouthpiece can also be used in correcting teeth and jaw problems. The mouthpiece is custom made to fit the patient's lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway in the throat open. This procedure could damage teeth, gums and jaw.  So it has to be used with great caution.

In general the above devices may give rise to the following problems:
- Due to long-term usage, permanent changes in the position of the teeth or jaw may occur. 
- Some of these devices are quite expensive.
- During night pain in the mouth, dry lips, tooth discomfort and excessive salivation may occur.

Central Sleep Apnea

The following are the devices which are specifically designed for Central sleep apnea.

Variable Positive Airway Pressure

This is also known as bilevel or BiPAP. This expensive method provides two different pressures levels; a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation.  Provision is available to monitor the patient's breathing through electronic circuit.  It is mainly prescribed for patients who have either a respiratory problem or who find it highly uncomfortable to breath in an increased pressure.

Supplemental oxygen

A variety of devices are available which can supply oxygen at different pressures to patients suffering from sleep apnea.  This can be supplemented through out the time the patient sleeps.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

This is a recent advancement where a machine adjusts air pressure continuously using pressure sensors. It continuously monitors the patient's breathing performance and adjusts pressure accordingly by increasing it when the user find it difficult to breathe, and decreasing when the air pressure is higher.

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