There are many forms of sleep disordered breathing conditions.
OSA – Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnoea and is caused by complete obstruction of the upper airway, caused by relaxation of the muscles controlling the soft palate and tongue.
An “event” is characterised by complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds.
Central Sleep Apnoea – CSA – Generally there is a defect of some sort in the nervous system that prevents the brain from being able to properly control breathing during sleep. The brain will stop sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA can develop in persons who have life threatening problems with the brainstem (which controls breathing).
Complex Sleep Apnoea – A condition which has a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Starts as an Obstructive apnoea and transforms into a central apnoea.
Mixed Sleep Apnoea – A condition which has a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Sleep study demonstrates both obstructive, and or central and or hypopnea.