If you think you are suffering from Sleep Apnea, it’s important to understand that there are actually three different types of Sleep Apnea. These are Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Mixed Sleep Apnea, which is an often rare and overlooked combination of both CSA and OSA.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea is a condition whereby the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles to allow a person to properly breathe. This common condition typically affects infants and adults who suffer from cerebrovascular disease, congenital diseases and heart disease. In some cases, Central Sleep Apnea has been a result of some strong medications and even high altitudes. Central Sleep Apnea can be easily diagnosed during a standard sleep study or by asking the Doctor to check on you during an overnight stay in hospital. Infants can be treated by purchasing a Sleep Apnea monitor that notifies the parent when an episode of Sleep Apnea has occurred. Adults can eliminate ongoing episodes of Sleep Apnea by either treating the underlying disease or by purchasing a CPAP machine from a reputable supplier like the Mobility Shop.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by far the most common and most severe form of Sleep Apnea. It is caused by a physical block in the airflow, for example, by a collapsible wall of soft tissue. Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes long pauses in breathing during sleep, these pauses, are known as episodes (or apneas).  People suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are hardly aware that they have trouble breathing; instead, the diagnosis needs to be made by a partner or friend. Because of this reason, it’s not uncommon for patients to suffer from OSA for years, before seeking treatment. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can also arise temporarily, due to an inflamed sore throat or nasal congestion; this is quite common and should not raise concern. Contact the Mobility Shop for more information.