1. Wear a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Mask
Hypopnea syndrome (Greek for "underbreathing") is a form of sleep apnea disorder in which the sufferer's breathing becomes very shallow but does not cease, as it does with true sleep apnea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks, therefore, are a very effective treatment option. CPAP masks generate an increased level of air pressure on your air passages, helping to keep them open and unobstructed. The level of air pressure required is different from patient to patient, but low to moderate hypopnea can be controlled with very little pressure. More severe hypopnea can require greater air pressure, which can be uncomfortable for patients until they learn to adjust. CPAP systems are often viewed as cumbersome and uncomfortable, and the first few nights using a CPAP machine can be restless. Bi-Level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems are also used to control hypopnea, since they help regulate exhalation as well as inhalation.
2. Shed Those Extra Pounds
Recent studies have shown that obesity and excess weight are among the main causes of hypopnea disorder. Excess weight can push down on your organs and air passages, creating constriction. Doctors recommend that patients lose at least 10 percent of their total weight in order to see some relief from hypopnea syndrome. For the most dramatic results, patients are encouraged to attain a weight that is considered average for their height.
3. Open Your Airways with a Dental Appliance
Your dentist and sleep specialist can prescribe a dental appliance to help keep your airways open and decrease the severity of your hypopnea. Tongue retainers, for example, prevent your tongue from falling backward into your throat cavity. Consequently, this has a marked effect on the prevalence of snoring. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be used to shift your entire jaw forward.
4. Talk to a Doctor About Surgical Options
The most common surgery for treating hypopnea is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). UPPP involves removing tissue from your palate and throat in order to provide a greater volume of air flow. Tonsils and adenoids are also typically removed in UPPP. Occasionally, doctors will use surgery on a deviated septum to treat hypopnea. The most invasive surgery used is mandibular maxillar advancement. This procedure involves adjusting the jaw's position in order to keep the airways open.
