CPAP Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing sleep apnea requires observation and review of the individual patient’s risk factors. Observation may include a formal sleep study at home or at a sleep study center. Sleep study centers offer the advantage of state-of-the-art diagnostics using polysomnography and/or Home Sleep Testing (HST). A polysomnogram (PSG) test records and measures breathing, brain, muscle, eye, and heart activity during the various stages of sleep. The results of your PSG provide the basis for diagnosing sleep apnea, and, when indicated, classifying the diagnosis as mild, moderate, or severe. Home evaluation uses a method called pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen levels in the blood. Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers experience reduced blood oxygen levels when sleeping. The diagnostic techniques best suited for your needs will depend on your individual symptoms and risk factors, as determined during your initial consultation with Dr. Sall.
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CPAP 1
CPAP 1

From CPAP to Other Treatment Options: The Evolution of Treatment Since 1981

Picture of Drs. Sall and Sullivan.

Dr. Sall (left) and Dr. Sullivan (CPAP inventor), met at the ISSS meeting, Wollongong, Australia, in January 2024.

In January 2024, Dr. Sall had the esteemed opportunity to engage with Dr. Colin Sullivan at the ISSS meeting in Wollongong, Australia, marking a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of patient care. Dr. Sullivan, renowned for pioneering the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy in 1981, revolutionized the treatment landscape for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). At its inception, CPAP was heralded as the definitive treatment, yet Dr. Sullivan acknowledges its limitations, particularly in patient adherence.

Despite technological advancements, consistent use of CPAP remains at 30-50% after the first year. With a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Sullivan champions precision medicine and advocates for the integration of precision oral appliance therapy, which has proven to be a more palatable and effective treatment for OSA across various severities, reflecting the dynamic progression of therapeutic strategies in sleep medicine.