Treatment of OSA can be effective and uncomplicated, the most commonly prescribed treatment being positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The PAP machine or blower delivers either a fixed or variable flow of gentle air pressure through a small nasal mask that the patient wears while sleeping. The air pressure is adjusted so that it is just enough to prevent the airways in the throat from collapsing during sleep, acting as an “air splint” eliminating obstructive apnoeas and allowing the individual to breathe normally all night long, permitting uniterrupted and restorative sleep. For many individuals PAP therapy dramatically improves their quality of life, daytime functioning and general health. PAP is not a cure but in conjunction with patient compliance is the preferred noninvasive therapy for managing OSA.

During normal breathing the throat is clear and open, allowing air to flow freely to and from the lungs.		While a person with OSA sleeps, tissues at the back of the throat collapse and block the flow of air.		Positive airway pressure therapy can keep the airway open, so that air flows freely to and from the lungs.

Sleep apnoea can also be treated surgically, however the cost and success rates vary greatly depending on the individual and the chosen procedure. Non surgical dental appliances have also been tried by individuals. These work by bringing the lower jaw forward to increase the size of the airway. This approach is normally adopted in milder cases of OSA or for individuals who snore but do not have obstruction.