Treatment
Treatment by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently the most effective treatment of OSAS, as its benefits largely outweigh the drawbacks. CPAP consists in blowing air in the airway to restore normal breathing and sleep patterns during the night using a nasal or a full face mask which is connected via a tube to the device. After prescription, the CPAP device is put in place by a home healthcare provider, who plays a key role in patient adherence to therapy and education about the treatment.
As of the first night of treatment, apneas and hypopneas disappear, leading to improved quality of sleep and gradually eliminating difficulties in the patient’s daily life.
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an alternative therapy indicated when the sleep apnea disorder is not too severe and when the patient does not suffer from any severe cardiovascular diseases. It is a dental device that holds the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep.
Surgery is only required for rare cases of anomalies of bone morphology.