Similar to other health conditions, there are different types of sleep apnea that you might be suffering from. That is why it is important to understand each type of sleep apnea. It helps you to better understand your specific condition for proper diagnosis. Here are three types of sleep apnea to watch out for.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway. This often causes you to snore loudly, which we know how disruptive that can be.
Central Sleep Apnea
A much less common type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, or CSA. This type of sleep apnea involves the central nervous system and occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. If you suffer from central sleep apnea it is likely that you seldom snore.
Complex Sleep Apnea
For complex sleep apnea, it is called complex because it is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. It is a form of sleep apnea in which central apneas persist or emerge during attempts to treat obstructive events with a continuous positive airway pressure, commonly known as CPAP.
To learn more about the different types of sleep apnea and what treatments are available, contact us at AZ Sleep & TMJ Solutions.