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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)is a sleep disorder caused by repetitive periods of complete or partial closure of the throat, resulting in episodic chocking apnea) or reduction in airflow (hypopnea), both of which may lead to arousal from sleep. It is estimated that 1-4% of men and women aged 30 to 60 years have OSA (1). The prevalence of OSA is even higher among obese individuals (2), and alcohol, especially when consumed before sleep, worsens OSA (3).
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective non-surgical treatment for OSA. CPAP is the first treatment choice and the most widely used. Research shows that CPAP decreases daytime sleepiness, especially in those with moderate to severe sleep apnea (4).
Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) is a sophisticated technique that adjusts the airflow pressure according to the patient’s breathing patterns throughout the night. In other words, the output pressure is immediately adjusted based on the extent of airway obstruction allowing the patient to breathe with open airway during treatment. The APA can react to any set of respiratory events by accurately delivering pressure, increasing when necessary, to optimise treatment and hence alleviate daytime symptoms.
Apex Medical Corporation (Taipei, Taiwan) is a manufacturer of respiratory health products including CPAP products.
Word-Medex Pty Ltd is the exclusive distributor of these CPAP products in Australia and New Zealand.
(1) Young T, Palta M, Dempsey J, et al. The occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing among middle-aged adults. N Engl J Med. 1993;328:1230-1235.
(2) Kyzer S, Charuzi I. Obstructive sleep apnea in the obese. World J Surg. 1998;22:998-1001.
(3) Issa FG, Sullivan CE. Alcohol, snoring and sleep apnea. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1982;45:353-359
(4) Hensley M, Ray C. Sleep apnea. Clin Evid 2006;15:1-18.
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