3 CommentsSleep Apnea

Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, but those interruptions do not all happen for the same reason. Understanding the different types of sleep apnea helps explain why a diagnosis matters before choosing treatment.

Snoring can be a clue, but its sound or volume cannot identify the type. This guide explains the terms you may hear at a sleep appointment and the questions worth asking.

Illustration of a clinician and patient discussing a sleep assessment
The cause of breathing interruptions helps determine the treatment approach.

Obstructive sleep apnea: an airway problem

In obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. This reduces or stops airflow even though the body is trying to breathe. It is the most common type of sleep apnea.

For a fuller explanation of symptoms and care, see our guide to obstructive sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea: a breathing-control problem

In central sleep apnea, the signals that control breathing are disrupted. It is less common than obstructive sleep apnea. Possible contributors include certain medical conditions, some medicines such as opioids, and high altitude. Some cases have no identified cause.

Symptoms can overlap with obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring may be less noticeable, so an absence of loud snoring is not a reliable way to exclude a sleep-related breathing problem.

What does treatment-emergent central sleep apnea mean?

Some people being treated with CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea develop central breathing events during treatment. This is called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, sometimes described as complex sleep apnea.

The term refers to a particular clinical situation; it is not simply a label for severe snoring. If your team mentions it, ask what was seen in the study or treatment data and what follow-up is planned. Do not change machine settings or prescribed medicines yourself.

How does a sleep assessment help?

A clinician considers symptoms, medical history and medicines and may arrange a sleep study. Testing can record breathing and other signals to help identify what is happening. The type of study should match the clinical question; an at-home test is not the appropriate option for everyone.

Bring a medication list and describe any witnessed breathing pauses, night-time gasping, unexplained awakenings or daytime sleepiness. If you sleep alone, you can still seek assessment without a partner’s report.

Why the treatment list is not a shopping list

Different PAP modes, oral appliances and other interventions are not interchangeable. The choice depends on the breathing disorder and the person’s wider health. Central sleep apnea may also require attention to an underlying condition. Specialist devices such as adaptive servo-ventilation need individual clinical selection rather than a recommendation based on an online article.

Useful questions include: “Which type have you identified?”, “What is the aim of this treatment?” and “How will you check the result?” Our sleep apnea treatment appointment guide offers a practical checklist.

Snoring relief has a different purpose

Asonor is intended to reduce snoring through local lubrication and hydration of the mucous membranes in the throat. It is applied through the nostrils using a jet-stream applicator. It does not treat obstructive, central or treatment-emergent sleep apnea and should not replace assessment or prescribed treatment. Read the instructions for use for its intended purpose.

Sources