1. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) This treatment uses a mask placed over the nose to blow a stream of air at a continuous rate which acts like a pneumatic splint to open the airway. This prevents your airway from collapsing during sleep. The level of air pressure a person needs to keep the airway open is determined during the course of a sleep study. When an effective level of CPAP has been established, and the patient continues use of CPAP in the home environment, sleep patterns are normalized and the level of oxygen in the blood is improved, signs and symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness are eliminated. Studies have also shown an improvement in cognitive ability, memory, concentration and psychological function.

2. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) This treatment also uses a mask placed over the nose which allows control of air pressure both when you inhale and also allows a lower pressure to be used when you exhale. This prevents your airway from collapsing.

3. Oral appliances (mouthguards) This treatment uses a mouthguard , usually made of plastic, to pull the jaw or tongue forward thereby opening the airway.

Other therapies that have been tried include weight loss, the use of supplemental oxygen during sleep, and medication therapy;

While weight loss can be effective in reducing the number and severity of the patient’s apneas, weight loss alone may not be effective because many sleep apnea patients also present some degree of upper airway abnormality.

Oxygen therapy has shown inconsistent results, benefiting only a small subset of apnea patients. It should be used with caution and any trials should occur under controlled circumstances.

In general, there has been little success with drug trials for the control of Obstructive Sleep Apnea although use of decongestants during sleep have been shown to help in some patients patients who experience oral breathing during sleep due to chronic nasal congestion.