The Types of Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Differences and Prevalence

Understanding the Three Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor oxygen levels and disrupted sleep cycles. There are three primary types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

In this article, we’ll discuss each type, its causes, symptoms, and the number of people affected—both diagnosed and undiagnosed. If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, call 410-832-5858 today for expert diagnosis and treatment.

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What Is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked due to relaxed throat muscles, preventing normal airflow. This leads to pauses in breathing, often accompanied by loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air.

Symptoms of OSA:

Loud, chronic snoring
Episodes of stopped breathing observed by a partner
Waking up gasping or choking
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating

Who Is Affected by OSA?

Over 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from OSA, but an estimated 80% remain undiagnosed.
It is more common in men than women, but the risk increases for women after menopause.
Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors, with around 70% of OSA patients being overweight.

Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

If you experience symptoms of OSA, call 410-832-5858 to schedule a consultation for treatment options.

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

What Is CSA?

Unlike OSA, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is not caused by a blocked airway but by the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. As a result, breathing temporarily stops multiple times throughout the night.

Symptoms of CSA:

Periods of stopped breathing during sleep
Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
Shortness of breath at night
Chronic fatigue during the day
Difficulty focusing

Who Is Affected by CSA?

CSA is much less common than OSA, affecting about 5-10% of sleep apnea cases.
It is often seen in individuals with heart failure, stroke history, or neurological conditions.
Older adults and people taking opioid medications are more prone to CSA.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA)

What Is Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

Also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA) is a combination of both OSA and CSA. It typically emerges in patients who start CPAP therapy for OSA but then develop CSA symptoms.

Symptoms of CompSA:

Initial symptoms of OSA (snoring, gasping, daytime sleepiness)
Development of CSA symptoms after CPAP use
Difficulty adjusting to CPAP therapy
Fragmented sleep patterns

Who Is Affected by CompSA?

Studies estimate that 15% of CPAP users develop CompSA.
Patients with chronic heart disease, neurological disorders, or opioid use are at higher risk.
CompSA requires specialized treatment, often involving advanced airway therapies beyond CPAP.

If you suspect CompSA, call 410-832-5858 for a comprehensive sleep evaluation.

How Many People Are Undiagnosed?

Sleep apnea is alarmingly underdiagnosed, putting millions of people at risk for serious health complications. Here’s how the numbers break down:

Nearly 1 billion people worldwide have sleep apnea.
In the U.S., 30 million people have OSA, but only 6 million are diagnosed.
An estimated 80% of moderate to severe sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed.
Women are more likely to go undiagnosed due to differences in symptom presentation.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and prevent complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Source: American Sleep Apnea Association

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

The good news is that all types of sleep apnea are treatable. Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.

Common Treatments Include:

Oral Appliance Therapy: A comfortable, CPAP alternative that repositions the jaw to prevent airway blockage.
CPAP Therapy: A continuous positive airway pressure machine that keeps the airway open.
Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): A device used for CSA and CompSA patients to regulate breathing patterns.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side can help reduce symptoms.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to remove airway obstructions.

If you are struggling with sleep apnea symptoms, don’t wait—call 410-832-5858 today for expert care and a tailored treatment plan.

Final Thoughts: Get the Restful Sleep You Deserve

Sleep apnea is a serious but treatable condition. Understanding the different types—OSA, CSA, and CompSA—can help you recognize symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

If you or a loved one snores loudly, experiences breathing pauses, or struggles with daytime fatigue, getting tested for sleep apnea is crucial.