Sleep apnea treatment [ Return towards Sleep apnea ]

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a little known disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The reference therapy for SAS is a daily treatment, at home and for life, using Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation.

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Interview of Professor Dieter Köhler, Pneumologist Expert

SAS occurs due to a narrowing of the upper airways: air has difficulty in passing, leading to turbulence that makes the throat vibrate, creating noise: this is snoring.

The disorder is often linked to increased body weight. Other factors include: the masculine sex, age (60-70 years old maximum), the intake of alcohol or certain drugs before going to bed, asthma or other respiratory symptoms, and smoking.

CPAP ventilation

The reference treatment for SAS is constant positive airway pressure ventilation: at night, the patient is hooked up via a nasal mask to a machine that supplies pressurized air. This forces air into the airways. Progressively, breathing eases, leading to correct oxygenation of the blood. For the patient, the advantage is twofold: daytime drowsiness disappears and the general health of the patient improves.

This is a restrictive treatment and effectiveness requires strict and regular compliance. Three or four hours of treatment per night, for life, are required to recover restful sleep. Support for the patient and their partner, is often necessary in order to accept this intrusion.

Air Liquide is implementing an innovative support program for sleep apnea patients at home.