Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is divided into 3 different types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Central Sleep Apnea
• Mixed Apnea

The main difference between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea is the cause of the breathing problem. In obstructive sleep apnea the cause is the collapsing of the upper airway, which blocks the throat and stops the air supply. In central sleep apnea, the cessation of breath is caused by a problem in the brainstem center which controls breathing. As its name implies, Mixed Apnea is a combination of both. Here is a short explanation about each type:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by repetitive cessation of airflow during sleep due to the obstruction or collapse of the upper airway (throat). This event is usually accompanied by a reduction in blood oxygen level, leading to an abrupt awakening to breathe. This is called an apnea event. These repetitive interruptions in breathing cause ineffectual sleep that effect many aspects of a person's health and life style. A person with OSA might not realize they are continuously waking up during the night, however they do suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation.

To understand this process and feeling, imagine yourself snorkeling. If someone were to put a hand over the top of your snorkel to block your air intake (similar to airway collapse) you would be unable to breath in, in response you would probably pull your head out of the water to gasp for air. In the same way when a person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea has their airway collapse, they need to wake up from their sleep to gasp for air.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central Sleep Apnea is a neurological condition, which can be attributed to multiple causes. CSA is characterized by cessation of respiratory effort during sleep, which is usually accompanied by decreases in blood oxygen level. In central sleep apnea, the brainstem center that controls breathing shuts down and there's no respiratory effort. The person is awakened from sleep by an automatic breathing reflex.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Commonly, the central component of the apnea becomes less problematic when the obstructive sleep apnea is treated.