OSA BREATHING:
• Airway collapses
• Blocked air flow

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep. Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. As a result, sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessinve sleepiness or fatique during the day.

CPAP THERAPY:
• Airway splinted open
• Air flows freely to lungs

The most common treatment for OSA is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PAP." Other less common treatements include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals.

Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.