Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overview
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It is a condition that occurs when you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep because your airway collapses, preventing air from getting into the lungs. The primary causes of airway obstruction are a lack of muscle tone during sleep, excess tissue in the upper airway and anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway and jaw.
A person with the following symptoms may be a candidate for a sleep study, prescribed by a physician to determine whether an individual has OSA requiring treatment:
- snoring, choking, gasping or pauses in breathing during sleep
- lack of energy
- unrefreshing sleep
- recurrent waking from sleep
- morning headaches
- feeling tired all day
- trouble concentrating
- kicking legs during sleep
CPAP Treatment for OSA
The most accepted and effective treatment for OSA is CPAP Therapy or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP provides airflow to a person via a facial or nasal appliance. The airflow holds the airway open so air flows freely.
AeroCare Provides CPAP Therapy
AeroCare provides CPAP Therapy for hundreds of patients with OSA. When CPAP Therapy is prescribed, an AeroCare Respiratory Therapist meets with the patient to:
- explain the therapy
- help select and properly fit the appliance
- instruct the patient on proper pressure settings and function of the CPAP system