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by kareemm 1552 days ago
Why does it matter if you know whether you’re experiencing central or obstructive apneas? Does the treatment differ?
2 comments

Central apnea is sometimes a symptom of a more serious underlying neurological issue, so it can be important to follow up with a physician to assess other risk symptoms and risk factors.

As for treatment - yes. BiPAP, ASV and nerve stimulation are all more effective for central apnea than CPAP or APAP.

Very much! The treatments are completely different.

Obstructive apneas are caused by an anatomical problem - your upper airway is blocked by relaxed tissues.

Central apneas are caused by a neurological problem - your brain doesn’t communicate the signal to inhale to your diaphragm.