What is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?

The primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy. This treatment involves the use of a device that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that the patient wears while sleeping. The air pressure helps to keep the airways open, preventing the collapses that occur during sleep in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP is widely recognized for its effectiveness in significantly improving sleep quality, reducing daytime sleepiness, and decreasing the risk of related health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. It is usually the first line of treatment recommended for moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

While medications and cognitive behavioral therapy can serve supportive roles in some cases of sleep-related disorders, they are not the standard treatments for obstructive sleep apnea specifically. Surgery is considered when other treatments fail or in certain anatomical cases, but it is not the primary method for managing this sleep disorder. CPAP therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, making it the most effective and widely used method for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.