Many people with sleep apnoea use positive airway pressure (PAP) devices to maintain breathing throughout the night. These machines deliver puffs of pressurized air to open the airways and keep the body oxygenated.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines provide a consistent flow of air and can effectively treat basic forms of sleep apnoea. Conversely, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) are used when sleep apnoea is considered complex.
Unlike CPAP devices, ASV machines only deliver air to the lungs when the need arises. These advanced devices track breathing patterns and provide air accordingly. They can also adjust the flow based on the data collected by the device’s sensors.
Like other forms of PAP therapy, ASV machines consist of a main device that pulls in room air, plus air filters, tubing, and a mask. This mask is connected to the main device via the tubing, through which air flows to deliver oxygen to the lungs. The main device will also have humidifier function, which ensures the air has sufficient moisture.
ASV treatment is often recommended to people who have central sleep apnoea. Unlike obstructive sleep apnoea, central forms result from the brain’s inability to effectively communicate with the muscles that facilitate breathing. In many cases, central sleep apnoea is linked to another medical condition, such as heart disease.
ASV machines are also recommended for complex sleep apnoea that is resistant to other treatments. Complex sleep apnoea occurs when a person has both central sleep apnoea and obstructive sleep apnoea.