Which therapy helps to keep the airway open during sleep for individuals with sleep apnea?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea by maintaining an open airway throughout the night. This is done by delivering a constant stream of air through a mask that the individual wears while sleeping. The airflow generated by the CPAP machine prevents the upper airway from collapsing, which is a common issue in sleep apnea.

By keeping the airway open, CPAP therapy significantly reduces the frequency of apneas and hypopneas, leading to improved oxygen saturation levels during sleep and mitigating associated health risks. This treatment is widely recognized as the gold standard for managing obstructive sleep apnea and is supported by extensive clinical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness.

In contrast, supplemental oxygen primarily helps with hypoxemia but does not directly address airway obstruction. Regular exercise can improve overall health and may aid in weight loss, which can indirectly benefit some individuals with sleep apnea. However, it does not provide a targeted solution for keeping the airway open during sleep. Medications can sometimes help with sleep-related issues, but they are not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and can be ineffective for managing airway obstruction specifically.