Not everyone who suffers from sleep apnea is aware of it. Sometimes it takes the person you share a bed with to bring it to your attention. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud, habitual snoring, periods throughout the night when your breathing stops for anywhere from a ten second period to a minute or even more, excessive daytime sleepiness, problems concentrating throughout the day and waking up in the morning feeling as if you had not slept at all.

In as basic terms as possible sleep apnea is “the cessation of breathing during sleep.” Those who study sleep apnea break it down into three categories- central, obstructive and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (abbreviated to OSA) is the most widespread form while central sleep apnea is not terribly common. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the other two types but its treatment is much the same as OSA.

Lower airway surgery is undertaken by doctors to both increase the size of the airway to allow for proper breathing as well as to prevent the worry that the airway might suddenly collapse. It also goes a long way in preventing snoring in sleep apnea patients. As the name implies, lower airway surgery is meant to “narrow the lower part of the airway, located behind the back of the tongue.” Let’s take a look at the various types of lower airway surgery.

There is a muscle known as the genioglossus muscle that connects from the back portion of the tongue to a place on the back of the chin. A lower airway surgery known as genioglossus advancement takes place in order to move the tongue forward in the mouth to make more space behind the tongue allowing for air to circulate easily. This operation must be done in a hospital under general anesthesia and is performed by way of an incision being made inside the lower lip of the patient.

Sitting slightly above the Adam’s apple in the throat is a boned shaped like the letter “C” known as the hyoid bone. This bone connects to muscles at the edges of the lower throat as well as to the back of the tongue. Sometimes an operation known as hyoid advancement is performed on a sleep apnea patient to make the space behind the tongue more accommodating for airflow. With this surgerical procedure an incision is made in the hyoid bone and then it is brought forward and the doctor attaches it to either the jawbone or the Adam’s apple.

Sometimes the cause of air obstruction is a tongue that is too big. Doctors may decide to make the tongue smaller by taking out a small part of the center of it, in a V-shape formation. This surgery is known as midline glossectomy. When even more of the tongue is removed including side parts it is called a lingualplasty. If they are inflamed or enlarged, the lingua tonsils may be gotten rid of by way of a laser. The lingual tonsils are defined as the “tonsil-like tissue on the back part of the tongue.” Very often doctors will also perform a temporary tracheostomy because swelling from any one of these surgeries could cause breathing problems in the patient.

Some doctors choose to move both the lower and upper jawbones forward as well as the teeth of the patient. By pulling the “soft tissue structures” forward this allows more room for the tongue to rest in and can decrease air obstruction concerns. The portions of the jawbone that are brought forward must then be held where they remain by way of titanium screws and metal plates. This surgery is known as bimaxillary advancement (or the more scientific name is lafort 1 maxillary osteotomy with bilateral sagittal split mandibular osteotomy) and is usually performed on patients who have a jaw that is very small or else those who have not found relief from their sleep apnea symptoms from other forms of “soft tissue surgeries.” This surgery must take place in a hospital under general anesthesia. Often a patient will need to go to an orthodontist for realignment of their teeth after the surgery. This surgery will affect a patient’s facial appearance. How much change will be noted depends on how much work needed to be done to move the jawbone forward during surgery.

For those that have obstructive sleep apnea, life can be a real struggle. The condition causes you to wake up repeatedly throughout the night due to an inability of the body to take in air. This is caused by an obstruction of the air way, and there can be many reasons why an obstruction may be present. People that are overweight and have a neck circumference that is greater than seventeen inches are the most common sufferers of this deisease, but they are by no means the only ones afflicted.

Obese people tend to be more susceptible to sleep apnea because the weight of their neck tissues may depress the esophagus, causing the airway to be narrowed and eventually blocked. Other reasons that the airway of a person may be blocked include sleeping on their back, having nasal deformities, drinking alcohol, having large adenoids or tonsils, and allergies. While some of these causes for apnea can be solved in the home, doctors often recommend the use of a CPAP machine to aid a problem with obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, which is what the machine provides. A steady stream of air is pumped into a mask which is worn by the afflicted person while they sleep. In this way, there is a continuous supply of air provided directly to a person’s airway. This can decrease the number of apneas that a person may face throughout the night, and consequently allow them to get more much-needed REM sleep. The lack of REM sleep from obstructive sleep apnea is one of apnea’s most destructive affects.

The body needs sleep to recover, and not getting enough can cause a host of problems, including irritability, a lack of concentration, and a general grogginess that can be very threatening to one’s quality of life. Also, those with untreated apnea are subject to heightened blood pressure, increased risk for stroke, and heart disease. For that reason, CPAP is usually a necessary part of the treatment for a sleep apnea sufferer. Approximately two out of three people who have apnea that is treated with CPAP experience some problems with the machine, and we will address these problems so that those using the machine can get a better night’s sleep.

Some people find that they have difficulty breathing in the air that is forced through the machine. To aid this, you should employ the machine’s functionality that allows it to increase its air pressure throughout the night to ease you into the air flow. Other people who use the machine dislike it due to the fact that it gives them a dry, stuffy nose. To help this problem, it can be useful to purchase a CPAP machine that is equipped with a heated humidifier.

If you are using a CPAP machine to help treat your obstructive sleep apnea problem, it’s important not to get frustrated and give up on the device. Whatever problems you may be having at the current time, you can usually adjust to the changes with a little perseverance. Using the machine nightly is necessary so that you can adapt to breathing properly with it. The benefits that the machine can give to your health and happiness far outweigh the inconveniences in its design.

We begin part 2 with a further look at other side effects of nasal continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP). Approximately thirty percent of sleep apnea patients find that the CPAP mask causes soreness, redness and irritation across the bridge of their nose. The bigger a person’s nose, the worst the problem can be. The simplest way to remedy this problem is to make sure to get a mask that fits as properly as possible over your nose and also one that is cushioned. Some patients experience irritation of their eyes while others report feeling a certain degree of discomfort in their chest muscles. This is usually brought on by an increase in the volume of the lungs and generally goes away within a short period of time. Although it is extremely rare there have been cases where severe side effects have been noted in sleep apnea patients. These include such problems as severe nosebleeds, heart arrhythmias as well as air pockets developing in the skull. These types of problems are seen in only a minimum of patients out of a pool of thousands.

Nasal continuous positive airflow pressure unfortunately is associated with low compliance by patients on a long-term basis however recent studies into its use have shown that due to two factors, better education and more advanced technology, more and more people are using it as a treatment option and staying on it for longer periods of time. Patients often note benefits to CPAP even if they only use it for approximately four hours per night. Some of the greatest benefits to patients include less tiredness noted during the daytime, a greater sense of alertness, better concentration and memory retention as well as more energy and overall better mood and sense of well being.

The second type of continuous positive airflow pressure is known as bilevel positive airway pressure and this system (sometimes abbreviated to BiPAP) is most beneficial to patients who either have tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide in their systems or those who already have pre existing lung disease. The bilevel positive airway pressure includes a “sensing feature that helps determine and vary the appropriate pressure depending on whether a person is breathing in or out.” In this case, upon inhaling a patient receives more pressure and when they exhale they receive less. The BiPAP machine due to its more advanced design costs a great deal more than the nasal continuous positive airflow pressure.

The most sophisticated CPAP machines are ones known as automatic titrating (auto)-CPAP pressure (or auto-CPAP) for short. These types are the most technologically advanced in regards to air pressure that is customized one way or another. The auto-CPAP machines can work in one of three ways. In the first case scenario the pressure of the machine can be kept to a low level until the patient experiences problems breathing. Once that happens the pressure can then be dramatically increased. Secondly, the pressure can be kept low and steady until a problem arises at which time it is raised in a gradual way. Thirdly, the pressure of the machine can be put up or down according to breathing problems. As well it can also detect when there is a problem developing in between “single breaths” of the patient.

Devices that keep the airways open at night by way of pressurized air are believed to be one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea. There is more than one type of continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) that can be used and the choice of which is right for a patient is made by a doctor and is dependent upon the cause of the airway obstruction as well as the location of it. Not all sleep apnea patients need the same amount of air pressure through CPAP therefore often it is necessary for them to spend a night in a sleep clinic or laboratory to be monitored.  The three types of air pressure devices used are nasal continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure and automatic titrating (auto)-CPAP pressure devices.

The most widespread therapy of the three is nasal continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) which is both safe as well as successful for patients from all age groups- from children right up to elderly individuals. This is also the most effective treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mixed sleep apnea. This particular machine weighs in around five pounds and sits comfortably on a nearby end table or bedside table. The mask connects to the machine by way of a tube and it fits comfortably over the patient’s nose and not the entire face. Throughout the night as the patient sleeps, the CPAP machine provides an adequate amount of air to the person’s lungs by way of the tube. This sufficient level of air pressure keeps the airways from closing up or obstructing throughout the night.

Many people find it difficult to get used to wearing the CPAP mask and may even find it uncomfortable. As well there can be side effects but the good news is that many of these are short-term. Some people find the mask frightening and disconcerting and for those who do, setting it to the lowest pressure possible is advisable for the first couple of nights. Some patients find their sleep patterns are different and downright difficult the first couple of nights but they quickly get used to the new sleeping arrangement.

Most patients do suffer one or more side effects and most are directly related to the mask. Often a well-chosen and well-fitting mask is often the best solution, especially one that has as little worry of leakage as possible. The side effects that can occur as a result of CPAP include dryness and irritation of the nasal passages and the throat, congestion in the nose and a sore and/or dry throat. The best solution for these problems is humidifiers (especially heated ones especially for CPAP users), nasal saline sprays and chinstraps.

Too much pressure can also be a problem and must be adjusted accordingly by a health care professional. Some patients develop a feeling of claustrophobia that makes them frightful and may make them decide to give up using the mask all together. One way to prevent this is by investing in a mask that is as lightweight and transparent as possible. Another idea is to get a mask that is known as a “nasal pillow” which means that it is used only around the area of the patient’s nostrils.

In part 2 we will look at other side effects of CPAP as well as the benefits. We will other look at the other two options in continuous positive airflow pressure devices.

Once diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your condition and especially to do your best to make sure that it will not worsen over time. These are often thought of as being self-help remedies and they may be relevant for some patients but not others. As well they can be beneficial sometimes when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

If you need to lose weight doing so will help your sleep apnea. An excess of weight causes a build up of fatty tissue in the tongue, neck and soft palate areas, which can contribute to airway obstruction. Dropping pounds can decrease the amount of fatty tissue as well as allow for more breathing room.

Alcohol and a variety of medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers and sleeping pills can cause sleep apnea to get worse due to the fact that they all cause the throat to relax too much, thereby constricting airflow. If you must drink alcohol make sure you are finished at least three to four hours before you turn in for the night. Smoking can also aggravate the problem, as smoking tends to swell nasal passages, thereby making a case of sleep apnea worse. Avoid using sleeping pills to get a good night’s sleep and if you do smoke, kick the habit for your health’s sake.

How you position yourself in your bed while you sleep makes a difference when it comes to sleep apnea. It is a smart idea to elevate the top of your bed, such as by placing a telephone book between the mattress and the base, as this helps keep your airways open and clear. Train yourself to sleep on your side instead of on your back, which can be detrimental to your sleep condition.

Being overtired on a regular basis can lead to chronic insomnia and this will not help sleep apnea at all. In fact constantly being “wiped out” can contribute to a worsening of the condition. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night and try to go to bed every night around the same time. The same holds true for when you awaken in the morning. Consistency goes a long way in helping to establish a routine that you will learn to stick with.

Traditionally one of the most widespread treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is also a very successful treatment for many people. CPAP is “an air compressor that blows air through a corrugated tube attached to a mask that is placed over your nose.” The mask remains in place by way of elastic straps that attach behind the head. How it works is the air from the machine makes its way into the nose and from there it flows down into the throat and the lungs. This action makes it possible for the airways to remain open and clear. Another form of CPAP is known as biPAP (or bilevel positive airway pressure). This device controls the amount of air that is brought into and taken out of the lungs. For example, for inhaling there is a higher level of pressure and for exhaling there is a lower level of pressure. This option is particularly good for those who cannot cope with the “high constant air pressure” that characterizes CPAP.

Trying to decide whether or not you should consider undergoing surgery as a means of treating your sleep apnea is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. It is important to keep in mind that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious disorder that can give rise to other serious health problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension (or high blood pressure in the lungs) and a higher incidence of stroke. It can also lead to excessive tiredness during the daytime, inattention, problems with memory, depression, as well family and work related problems.

Before making a final decision about surgery it is important to take a number of key points into consideration. First of all one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and it is a very successful treatment option for many patients. You should try using CPAP first before considering surgery. In fact most doctors and sleep experts will insist upon it. If you have a blockage in your throat that cannot be reversed with any other form of treatment you might consider surgery as a viable option to correct the problem. This would be true in the case of a patient who had tonsils that were very big.

Those who find themselves at a terribly high risk for developing other health related complications from sleep apnea might also make a good candidate for surgery. Some types of surgery for sleep apnea, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) require that the patient still use continuous positive airway pressure afterwards. Research has shown that only forty to sixty percent off patients who have UPPP surgery notice an improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms. A tracheostomy is often a “last resort” surgery for patients with severe sleep apnea who find nothing else has worked. This form of surgery has a very success rate but also has its share off physical and psychological complications. Some people suffer infections while others become very self-conscious about the appearance of their throat and their speech patterns. After exhausting other treatment options and surgery seems to be the right course of action for you to take, then consider less drastic forms of surgery that don’t wreck havoc with your appearance.

To return to a look at CPAP, it really is a worthwhile treatment option to take into account. Continuous positive airway pressure is especially beneficial in decreasing the amount of fatigue a patient feels during the daytime, in particular for those who suffer from sleep apnea that is classified as moderate to severe. Research studies into CPAP have found that it plays a role in improving blood pressure levels both during the daytime and at night during sleep. However studies also show that CPAP is not as helpful for those who only suffer a mild case of it. In that case lifestyle changes such as losing weight and quitting smoking should be the first to be undertaken. Patients who choose to go the CPAP route must schedule visits with their doctor often in order to have adjustments made.

In some patients suffering from sleep apnea, there is too much tissue in the uvula or the soft palate. The uvula is “the soft finger-like tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth into the throat” while the soft palate is “part of the roof of the mouth.” In this case a surgical procedure known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is sometimes undertaken. This form of surgery can prove beneficial to some patients but not others. The case of the airway obstruction plays a big role in deciding what type of treatment and/or surgery is required. Also known as UPPP this surgery involves the removal of the tonsils as well as parts of the uvula and soft palate. In some cases excess tissue from the throat such as the adenoids and tonsils must be removed as well. There are also cases where a patient’s tongue is so big that it causes breathing problems and therefore a small portion of it must be taken out. This procedure alone is known as an uvulopalatopharyngoglossoplasty.

After undergoing UPPP the patient might still find it necessary to require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is simply a breathing apparatus resembling a mask that is worn over the face at night to allow a patient an easier time breathing and to discourage the airways from closing up during sleep time. There might be some discomfort after this kind of surgery is dome however there are some types of pain medication that patients are not advised to take because of the role they play in relaxing the muscles of the throat. These forms of medicine could serve to narrow breathing passages and therefore bring on an apneic event (or sleep apnea episode).

UPPP surgery is generally done for those whom the doctor has diagnosed has having sleep apnea due to too much tissue in their mouth, throat or nose that restricts the flow of air. As well those patients who either cannot use or do not want to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are encouraged to consider uvulopalatopharyngoplasty as a viable option for their health condition. Also those patients who have been using CPAP for a considerable length of time but do not notice any great improvement might do well to consider UPPP surgery. Finally those who suffer from severe sleep apnea but do not want to proceed with a tracheostomy to help them might want to consider this surgical alternative. Adults more often undergo this form of surgery than do children. For children who experience sleep apnea their adenoids and tonsils are often removed although this form of surgery is not done as often as it was in past generations.

UPPP carries with it a certain amount of risks or complications. Sometimes there is damage done to neighboring tissues and blood vessels, which can lead to other health concerns. As well some medications taken for pain can lead to sleep apnea episodes and a general feeling of not having had enough sleep. Often times patients will experience swelling, pain, some bleeding and sometimes infections do arise. Speech is not always the same after a UPPP procedure. Many patients notice a nasal quality to their voice after having the surgery. Finally the airway for both the nose and the throat can become narrowed after this surgery takes place.

After being diagnosed with sleep apnea many patients wonder if there are any ways that they can help themselves health wise in regards to their condition. While there is presently no cure for sleep apnea there are ways to help decrease the incidence and severity of symptoms. It is wise though to first sit down and talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to learn everything about your condition and to discuss treatment methods. Ask your doctor what are the best ways you can help to improve your medical situation. Keep in mind that it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and to use these suggestions in conjunction with the prescribed treatment, whether it be CPAP, surgery, etc.

Many individuals consider these “self-help remedies” to be lifestyle changes. Be aware that these changes can also improve other medical conditions and are beneficial in improving an individual’s overall health and well being.

Weight is one important aspect that makes a difference in sleep apnea. If you are overweight or obsess lose the weight. Even losing a few pounds can make a difference in sleep apnea symptoms. An excessive amount of weight on the body can make sleep apnea worse in two different ways. First of all those who are overweight tend to have thicker necks and more fatty tissue in their neck area. Too much fat in this area can obstruct the airway and make collapse more likely. The other contributing factor is too much weight in the abdominal area makes it more likely for the muscles that control breathing to work insufficiently. Breathing muscles that don’t work to their optimum best can make breathing during nighttime sleep tremendously more difficult.

Some people find it a struggle to lose weight and prefer to attempt to lose weight or go on a special weight loss plan after they have commenced their sleep apnea treatment. This is perfectly fine. The important thing is to lose excess weight if it is necessary. If you are of a normal weight then you have nothing to worry about in this area!

Smoking makes sleep apnea a great deal worse as it contributes to a “decreased lung capacity.” As well smoking causes throat muscles to relax excessively thereby making it possible for the airway to become obstructed. Many people believe that nicotine patches are one of the best ways to help quit smoking.

Alcohol consumption should be decreased in general and should never be consumed three to four hours before bedtime. Drinking alcohol serves to depress the reflexes of breathing and by so doing, causes a case of sleep apnea to get worse. Besides alcohol, it is a wise to avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers and other medications, prescription or otherwise, that can interfere in any way with normal breathing patterns.

When you suffer allergies, throat infections or colds these can all cause narrowed airway passages and congestion in the sinuses and nose. The viruses and bacteria that cause these health problems can make sleep apnea worse. As well medication taken for these conditions can encourage sleep apnea episodes. Speak to your doctor before taking meds for any condition that could potentially bother your breathing.