Obstructive Sleep Apnoea : A Review

Upper airway is a collapsible compliant tube. As such it has to be able to withstand suction pressures generated by rhythmic contractions of diaphragm that sucks air into the lungs. This is accomplished by the rhythmic contractions of upper airway muscles such as genioglossus (tongue) and the hyoid muscles. In addition to the rhythmic innervation from the respiratory centre in the medulla oblongata, the motoneurons controlling the muscles also receive tonic innervations that sets a baseline level of stiffness and size. Thus this tube is kept patent by various protective reflexes and normal tone of the surrounding muscles. Many treatment approaches have been used in the management of this condition. Oral appliances play a major role in the management of OSA and have become the first line of treatment in almost all patients suffering from OSA