Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, which causes poor sleep and low blood oxygen levels. It affects more than 20% of adults worldwide and is linked to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, and cognitive/mental disorders.
People diagnosed with sleep apnea have a variety of treatments available to them. The most common is sleeping with a CPAP mask (continuous positive airway pressure). CPAP masks work by providing continuous but mild airway pressure as you breathe. This pressure keeps the airway from collapsing or becoming blocked. It's important to know that a CPAP mask does not breathe for you. Instead, it provides continuous airway pressure on breaths you initiate. A good CPAP mask operates quietly and fits comfortably while you sleep.
Sleep apnea is best diagnosed by a physician specializing in sleep medicine. Centre for Sleep's doctors will determine if you have sleep apnea and fit you with a CPAP mask or discuss alternative sleep apnea treatments.