What is a standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is regarded as a standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to its effectiveness in keeping the airway open during sleep. CPAP works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask that fits over the nose or mouth, preventing the airway from collapsing and thus reducing apnea events, snoring, and improving overall sleep quality.

The clinical guidelines and numerous studies support the use of CPAP as the first-line therapy, particularly for patients with moderate to severe cases of OSA. It is considered both safe and effective for managing the condition, significantly alleviating related symptoms, and in many cases, improving cardiovascular health, reducing daytime sleepiness, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.

While other treatments, such as oral appliances, weight loss programs, and positional therapy, may be effective for select patients or milder cases of OSA, they are not the standard first-line treatment for those with moderate to severe conditions. Oral appliances can be an alternative for some patients, especially those who prefer not to use CPAP or have mild OSA, but they might not provide sufficient airway support for more severe cases. Weight loss programs can improve OSA severity, but they typically take time