Sleep apnea, or sleep disordered breathing, should never be taken lightly. From snoring to pauses in breathing, each type of sleep apnea maintains different signs and symptoms. With different types of sleep apnea, it is important to know each type to better understand your specific condition for proper diagnosis. If you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, you might already know the side effects, so let’s take a look at three types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway. This can result in gasping to breathe and oxygen levels to plummet to dangerous levels.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Central sleep apnea is a much less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. If you suffer from central sleep apnea it is likely that you seldom snore.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea – Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. It is a form of sleep apnea in which central apneas persist or emerge during attempts to treat obstructive events with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a bi-level device.
4. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) – A lot have UARS, but are unaware of it. While it is not quite OSA, it has similar effects. Airflow with UARS is slow and inflamed. Typically, women who are not heavy tend to suffer from UARS, but treatment with oral appliances can help provide relief.
5. Snoring – Snoring loudly can also occur, and we know how disruptive that can be! Imagine your bed partner snoring uncontrollably. You can’t get a good night’s sleep, but they look like they’re having the best sleep, right? While snoring may seem like just an annoying habit, it can actually turn into OSA, which means early diagnosis is key.

Contact San Francisco TMJ and Sleep Specialist Dr. Larson Dr. Greg Larson and his team of professionals in San Francisco for sleep apnea information and treatment planning. By gaining a better understanding of your specific type of sleep apnea, we can help improve your symptoms.