The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device acts as a pneumatic splint "blowing" air down the airway and forcing oxygenated air into the lungs. The CPAP is the gold standard of OSA treatment and is almost 100% effective. Unfortunately because it can be uncomfortable and cumbersome it is only 20-30% compliant. That is 70-80% of sufferers are either unable or unwilling to wear the CPAP. For those people who can tolerate it, it is a life saving wonder.

SURGERY OPTION

Surgeries include:
UPPP - Uvolopulatopharyngoplasty, LAUP - Laser assisted uvuloplasty, Turbinectomy
Deviated Septum Correction, T & A - Tonsils and adenoids

When these surgeries are otherwise indicated, it may be a good idea to have them done. However, 80% of all snoring and obstructive sleep apnea occur at the level of the tongue and throat (oropharynx and hypopharynx) and only 20% occur at the level of the nose (velopharynx). So only about 20% of recipients receive relief from their snoring and sleep apnea from these surgeries.

ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY (OAT)

As described elsewhere, oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward, pulling with it the tongue and airway structures.