What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition where your tongue and soft tissues actually close off your airway and stop air from entering your lungs. When this happens during sleep, the oxygen in your blood decreases, your heart races, and your brain panics-causing you to startle awake.
Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk for strokes and heart attacks
Treatment of OSA
The most common way to treat obstructive sleep apnea is with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This machine supplies a constant and steady flow of air through a hose, mask, or nose piece. Some people who are diagnosed with OSA may not be properly using the CPAP machine, or are intolerant. This is because the machine can be uncomfortable. There is another option. for mild to moderate cases, a custom made oral appliance may be used to treat OSA. In some severe cases a CPAP and oral appliance may be used in conjunction.