Sleep apnea is often thought of as a single condition, but there are actually different

types of sleep apnea, and identifying the correct one is essential for appropriate treatment. If symptoms continue despite treatment, it may be worth reviewing whether the underlying type has been accurately diagnosed.

Key Takeaways

• There are three main types of sleep apnea, and each has different causes and treatment approaches.
• Similar symptoms can sometimes lead to the wrong assumption about the type of sleep apnea.
• An accurate diagnosis often involves a sleep assessment and evaluation by an ENT or sleep physician.
• Early assessment may help reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.

What Are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

Not all sleep apnea develops for the same reason. Understanding the different types of sleep apnea can help explain why treatment may vary from person to person.

The three main types include.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, making it difficult for air to flow normally.

Common signs include,

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor-quality sleep despite spending enough time in bed

Several factors, including the structure of the nose, throat or jaw, excess weight, or enlarged tonsils, may contribute to airway obstruction.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

• The brain temporarily fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles.
• Breathing pauses occur even though the airway remains open.
• It may be associated with certain medical conditions, neurological disorders, heart conditions, or specific medications.

Because the cause differs, treatment for central sleep apnea is different from that for obstructive sleep apnea.

Mixed (Complex) Sleep Apnea

Some individuals have features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. This is known as,

• Mixed sleep apnea
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome

In these cases, a detailed sleep assessment helps determine which breathing pattern is present so that treatment can be appropriately tailored.

Could You Be Receiving the Wrong Treatment?

Sometimes people continue experiencing symptoms despite using treatment consistently. Possible reasons include,

• The original diagnosis may need further evaluation.
• More than one type of sleep apnea may be present.
• Other sleep disorders may also be contributing to poor sleep quality.
• The treatment plan may require adjustment over time.

Persistent symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or poor sleep should be reviewed rather than assumed to be normal.

How Is the Correct Type Diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of the different types of sleep apnea often overlap, diagnosis relies on a comprehensive assessment rather than symptoms alone. This may include,

• A detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination of the nose, throat and airway
• Sleep studies performed either at home or in a sleep laboratory
• Review of breathing patterns during sleep
• Assessment for any contributing nasal or upper airway conditions

These findings help determine which type of sleep apnea is present and guide the most suitable management approach.

Why Does the Correct Diagnosis Matter?

Receiving the correct diagnosis may help ensure that management is appropriate for your condition. Untreated or incorrectly managed sleep apnea may be associated with,

• Ongoing daytime tiredness
• Reduced concentration and memory
• Increased risk of road or workplace accidents due to sleepiness
• Cardiovascular health concerns in some individuals
• Reduced overall quality of life

Seeking assessment when symptoms persist allows your healthcare provider to review whether further evaluation is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone have more than one type of sleep apnea?

Yes. Some people may have mixed or complex sleep apnea, where features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea are present.

Is loud snoring always a sign of obstructive sleep apnea?

No. While loud snoring is common in obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and some people with sleep apnea may not snore significantly.

Can sleep apnea develop over time?

Yes. Ageing, weight changes, certain medical conditions, and changes in airway anatomy may contribute to the development of sleep apnea over time.

When should I seek medical assessment?

If you experience loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or poor-quality sleep, it is advisable to seek a medical evaluation to determine whether further assessment is appropriate.

Find Out Which Type of Sleep Apnea You Have

If you have persistent symptoms or have concerns that your current treatment may not be addressing the underlying cause, a comprehensive assessment may help clarify the diagnosis.

At GCHEE ENT Sinus & Sleep Centre, Dr Gerard Chee provides evaluation for patients with suspected sleep apnea, including assessment of the upper airway and guidance on appropriate investigations and management options based on individual clinical findings.

Consider booking a consultation to better understand your symptoms and discuss the next appropriate steps for your sleep health.