Dr.K.O.Paulose FRCS, DLO.Consultant ENT Surgeon.
Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, South India
In Severe Snoring and OSA CPAP and Surgical Treatment are the common options. But CPAP is not tolerated well by many patients. Surgical treatment is recommended if there is no contraindications for surgery. Removing Obstruction is the basic principle behind surgical treatment, not bypassing it.As a surgeon I always try to do surgical correction, if possible.
About CPAP:
C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) CPAP device is an effective treatment for patients with moderate OSA , not for severe OSA. Through a specially fitted mask that fits over the patient’s nose, the CPAP constant, prescribed flow of pressured air prevents the airway or throat from collapsing. In some cases a Bi-PAP device, which blows air at two different pressures, may be used.
While CPAP and Bi-PAP devices keep the throat open and prevent snoring and interruptions in breathing, they only treat your condition and do not cure it. If you stop using the CPAP or BiPAP, your symptoms will return.
Although CPAP and BiPAP are often the first treatments of choice, they may be difficult for most patients to accept and use.