Airway pressure treatments for obstructive sleep apnea
| Treatment | Indications | Reduction in apnea-hypopnea index | Caveats | Possible predictors of success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive airway pressure73 | First-line treatment for mild obstructive sleep apnea with cardiovascular disease or excessive daytime sleepiness, and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea | 73% | Nasal irritation, dry mouth, sinus infection; weight loss should not be expected | Positional obstructive sleep apnea |
| Nasal expiratory pressure70,74,75 | Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea | 70% | Difficulty exhaling, nasal discomfort, dry mouth, different effects between devices | Positional obstructive sleep apnea |
| Intraoral negative pressure71 | Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea | 25% have at least a 50% reduction from baseline | Dental or oral tissue discomfort | Retropalatal airway collapse |
| Negative external pressure72 | Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea | 75% | Skin irritation | Anteroposterior airway collapse |