The most likely cause of obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB) is an abnormality in the anatomical structure of the upper airway. About 28% of people that are diagnosed with obstructive sleep disordered breathing are anatomically compromised or have a collapsible upper airway. The collapse of the upper airway occurs most commonly at the site of the oropharynx. Insufficient reaction of the upper airway dilator muscles during sleep occurs in about 36% of these people that have OSDB. This disorder is not only an issue with anatomical abnormalities; it is a very involved interaction …show more content…
According to Weaver et al, this disorder mainly targets adult males and “is associated with significant comorbidity, cognitive impairment, excessive daytime sleepiness, and reduced quality of life” (Weaver et al, 2014). For many years the main first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea has been continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP produces a supply of air that assists as a support for the upper airway. The air support is intended to prevent the airway from collapsing.
Inspiration for improved or additional possible treatments arises from concerns with patient acceptance and low levels of patient compliance with the treatment. Modern strategies such as adaptive servoventilation have been researched and brought forth to enhance effectiveness of treatment in this very intricate disorder OSA. Weaver et al defines adaptive servoventilators as “spontaneous-timed bi-level positive airway pressure devices that estimate the patient’s minute ventilation and tidal volume and/or flow, and respond to it by delivering variable pressure support” (Weaver et al, 2014). The non-surgical treatment route includes different types of positional therapies. For instance, oral pressure devices, nasal expiratory positive airway pressure, and upgraded jaw movement devices are all different forms of non-surgical treatments for OSA. Recently there have been advances in surgical procedures that involve palatal implants and electrical stimulation of the upper airway