Among the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, the effectiveness of a nighttime-breathing machine called a “CPAP” was backed by the strongest evidence, and a mouthpiece worn at night was also shown to be effective, according to a new report funded by HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Sleep apnea is a disorder that disrupts sleep for an estimated 12 million Americans, with millions more likely undiagnosed. The report found that the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which pumps air through a mask while the patient is asleep, is highly effective in improving sleep and related symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea by improving airflow.
