Many forms of treatments are available for all three types of sleep apnea. A wide variety of treatments are required to suit the needs best for all people that develop this condition. Because of the wide variety and availability of treatment options there is a high chance the problem will be completely resolved. For those that it cannot be cured the serious to fatal symptoms such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease can be avoided and completely prevented. The three major types of sleep apnea devices or machines are CPAP, VPAP, APAP and there are various other sleep apnea machines as well.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is where a controlled air compressor makes an air stream at a consistent pressure. The doctor will suggest and prescribe the correct pressure based on a set of test done at the testing center. These have been known to be quite uncomfortable and recent times there have been adjustments to reduce pressure when exhaling. This is the most common treatment given for obstructive sleep apnea for mild cases.
Variable Positive Airway Pressure (VPAP or BiPAP)
Variable Positive Airway Pressure is a sleep apnea machines that works with a bi layered system using electronics to listen to and record the persons breathing. This acts as a means to differentiate between pressures. During inhalation the pressure tends to be higher and then lower during exhalation. This system is not cheap. People that already have breathing problems or find it too uncomfortable to sleep with the CPAP use these machines.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure a sleep apnea machine representing the cutting edge in sleep apnea machines. This machine combines pressure sensors connected to a computer. This serves as a monitor for the persons breathing. The pressure is constantly adjusted depending on the difficulty the patient is having with controlling their breathing. This method is still in its test period and is not suggested by all professionals but has proven to be very successful thus far.
Orthodontic Devices
Obstructive sleep apnea is many times treated with other devices as well. An orthodontic device keeps both parts of the jaw in one spot to keep the airways open. This very much resembles a mouth guard that many sports players use to protect their mouths. The technical term for this device is called a Mandibular advancement splint. This does not work as well as the other methods, but many people prefer it over the other methods because it is much more comfortable and convenient to operate. There are very few side effects and those are barely noticeable.