Can sleep apnea be treated?
Sleep apnea can be treated. Once someone has been diagnosed, the most common form of treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is where a small machine pushes air through the upper airway to keep it open. A small mask is placed over the nose to allow the air to enter the airway. A nasal mask is attached to the machine by tubing. This is the most effective, painless way to treat sleep apnea and can actually correct the disorder entirely in most people. After sleep apnea patients become accustomed to the equipment, many find that their quality of life is so much improved they will take the equipment with them wherever they go! The improvement in quality of life and daytime performance can be remarkable. Surgical Options Surgical procedures are also used to treat sleep apnea, if a correctable obstruction is observed by a physician. Common surgical procedures include the removal of adenoids and tonsils (most common treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children), nasa
