CDA Essentials 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 4

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea cadth.ca/OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in which breathing starts and stops when throat muscles relax during sleep and block a person’s airway. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is commonly used to measure OSA severity. This measurement can, along with other factors, help to determine the best treatment options. Considerations when Choosing a Treatment for OSA CPAP Therapies (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) • Cost/coverage • Clean water • Electricity • Patient preference • Support for machine or equipment difficulties • Supportive partner and family • Concerns over appearance • Side effects and discomfort • Travel MADs/Oral Appliances (Mandibular Advancement Devices) • Cost/coverage • Clean water • Patient preference • Side effects and discomfort • Access to dentists and dental specialists • Oral health Treatment No treatment Weight loss/ Exercise CPAP MADs CPAP MADs Surgery OSA Severity AHI Mild 5-14 Moderate 15-29 Severe +30 ABOUT CADTH April 2017 cadth.ca