What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) ?

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders are a group of disorders where respiration is impaired during sleep.

The most common type is Sleep Apnea which is a condition.

International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3, Sleep Breathing Disorders are classified into four main categories:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorders
  • Central Sleep Apnea Disorders
  • Sleep-Related Hypoventilation Disorders
  • Sleep-Related Hypoxemia Disorders

What are the signs, symptoms and risks factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

Symptoms

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Nonrestorative sleep
  • Frequent awakenings
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Personality change
  • Intellectual changes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Nocturia

Signs

  • Loud habitual snoring
  • Choking, gasping during sleep
  • Breathing pauses/witnessed apnea
  • Body movements, restlessness in bed

Risk factors

  • Age
  • Increased BMI
  • Nasal obstruction
  • Increased Mallampati score
  • Retrognathia
  • Increased neck circumference
  • Right heart failure

What are the possible complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular conditions, including resistant hypertension, restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is increasingly recognized as an independent predictor of acute stroke and an obstacle in the post-stroke recovery and rehabilitation process.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea also contributes to the morbidity accompanying pulmonary disorders, including COPD, pulmonary hypertension, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

How to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

For years, in-hospital sleep studies were the only way to diagnose OSA. However, these studies are expensive, impractical for the patient, and generally have excessive wait times due to the limited number of beds available. Home Sleep Test offers an easy, cheap and convenient way to diagnose OSA.

JAWAC-power Home Sleep Test represents the next step in the ambulatory diagnosis. They provide the same comfort level as other Home Sleep Test with the same diagnostic capabilities as an in-hospital sleep study.

What are the treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

  • Mild sleep apnea

    In case of mild Sleep apnea, simple treatment options such as lifestyle changes can be sufficient. These lifestyle changes include weight loss, avoiding sleeping in a supine position or stopping smoking. In some cases, Myofunctional Therapy can be useful.

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

    CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. CPAP therapy provides continuous pressure through a mask during sleep to maintain the airways open and avoid any obstruction. While CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), it is also associated with significant challenges for the titration and management of CPAP.

  • Oral appliances

    Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) is the most common type of oral appliance therapy. It works by advancing the jaw to open the upper airways.

  • Surgery

    Surgery is often a second-line treatment when CPAP and oral appliances therapy have failed. The most frequent surgeries for Sleep apnea are uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, maxillomandibular advancement surgery, and hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator. In some cases, bariatric surgery is recommended.