The most common therapy is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a simple but effective procedure for keeping the airway open during sleep. simple The patient wears a mask over his or her face that blows pressured air through a tube. The pressure keeps the airway propped open but doesn't interfere with breathing in and out. We set the pressure rate so that it's ideal for the patient, and humidity can be added to prevent dryness. Doctors determine the ideal pressure rate for a patient by conducting a polysomnogram, which indicates when respiratory problems have stopped as well as when Sleep Apnea occurs.

The CPAP device is a shoe box-size air compressor with an air pump and filter. The units can be rented or purchased at medical supply stores for use at home.

Another treatment option is an oral appliance that the patient wears to bed. The custom-fitted mouthpiece forces an underbite that opens up space behind the tongue to clear the airway. Surgery to remove excess tissue or enlarged tonsils that might constrict breathing also may be beneficial for some patients.