What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. Each pause in breathing is called an apnea, which can last from 10 seconds up to minutes at a time, and may occur anywhere from 5 to 100 times an hour. OSA affects more than 15 million Americans and can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, mood disorders such as depression, muscle pain, morning headaches, sexual dysfunction, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatality. Most people with mild sleep apnea are aware that they snore and feel overtired or fatigued but are unaware of potentially serious medical problems which may exist. A sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) at a JCAHO or AASM credentialed sleep lab is the most reliable way to get tested for sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea just a problem for men?
Common misconceptions are that sleep apnea is a “male disease,” and that only obese people suffer from sleep apnea. The stereotypical patient with sleep apnea is a middle-aged, overweight male; however, anyone can suffer from this condition.
Sleep apnea is present in about 1 in 5 adults, and in more than 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes; but the vast majority of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
Risk factors for sleep apnea;
Sleep apnea is present in about 1 in 5 adults, and in more than 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes; but the vast majority of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
Risk factors for sleep apnea;
- Male gender
- Menopausal state
- Excessive weight/ central abdominal obesity*
- Large neck circumference (>17″ in men; >16″ in women)
- Physical inactivity*
- Diagnosis of hypertension
- Excess tissue in the upper airway
- Age*
- Ethnicity*
- Excessive use of alcohol or sedatives
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Family history of sleep apnea
I have sleep apnea but I can't tolerate CPAP, do I have alternatives?
Failure with CPAP may be caused by perceived discomfort, claustrophobia and panic attacks. Bi-level can eliminate some of these feelings, talk to your doctor about getting on a bi-level machine instead of CPAP. Nearly half of complaints are related to the mask, many can be alleviated with a well-chosen mask that is comfortable and reduces leakage as much as possible. Few patients get allergic reaction on the face from using the mask, likely because some masks are made with latex or a patient just has very sensitive skin to contact. Central sleep apnea and Complex sleep apnea can cause CPAP failure and those disorders often are misdiagnosed as Obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP is not for everyone and many alternatives are available today. Clinical studies show CPAP is about 95-99% effective and the alternatives are anywhere from 30-85% effective, depending on the severity of your sleep apnea. Solutions for mild to moderate OSA include positional therapy, behavioral therapy, the use of an oral appliance and CPAP. Severe sleep apnea may require one of the following surgeries; UP3(Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), airway tissue removal, airway restructuring or surgical implants. In rare cases these options are used in combination with CPAP to reduce very severe OSA.
CPAP is not for everyone and many alternatives are available today. Clinical studies show CPAP is about 95-99% effective and the alternatives are anywhere from 30-85% effective, depending on the severity of your sleep apnea. Solutions for mild to moderate OSA include positional therapy, behavioral therapy, the use of an oral appliance and CPAP. Severe sleep apnea may require one of the following surgeries; UP3(Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), airway tissue removal, airway restructuring or surgical implants. In rare cases these options are used in combination with CPAP to reduce very severe OSA.