Which of the following is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Which of the following is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?


a) Mechanical ventilation
b) Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
c) Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
d) Oxygen by nasal cannula


Answer: c) Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)


Explanation:
CPAP is the most effective treatment for OSA because the positive pressure acts as a splint, keeping the upper airway and trachea open during sleep. To use CPAP, the patient must be breathing independently. BiPAP ventilation offers independent control of inspiratory and expiratory pressure while providing pressure support ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is not the most effective treatment for OSA. Administration of low-flow nasal oxygen at night can help relieve hypoxemia in some patients but has little effect on the frequency or severity of apnea. pg. 554


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