3 ms·
Your apnea could be undertreated, or it could be a symptom of a bigger problem. Epiglottic collapse is not uncommon in apnea patinets (10-15% of cases), and is
by internet_user 7y ago
Your apnea could be undertreated, or it could be a symptom of a bigger problem. Epiglottic collapse is not uncommon in apnea patinets (10-15% of cases), and is not treatable by positive pressure, as it is an inspiratory valve.
CPAP only works on the expiratory valve - which is your soft palate.
If you are having a large number of arousals, despite optimal CPAP pressure, and your respiratory waveform is jagged in certain ways (hard to describe in text) - you are very likely having epiglottic collapses.
However, epiglottic collapse can only be definitively diagnosed by sleep endoscopy.
Epiglottic collapse can only be treated surgicially.