Name a non-invasive method to support patients with sleep apnea.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a non-invasive method specifically designed to treat sleep apnea. This therapy involves the use of a CPAP machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a hose connected to a mask worn over the nose or mouth during sleep. The continuous pressure helps keep the airways open, preventing the collapse that characterizes obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard for managing moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it directly addresses the underlying issue of airway obstruction. Unlike other options, which may have different applications or are more invasive, CPAP is tailored to support patients by maintaining airflow and enhancing overall sleep quality without surgical intervention.

Oxygen therapy, while beneficial in some respiratory conditions, does not address the obstructive nature of sleep apnea. Bronchodilator therapy is targeted mainly for conditions like asthma and COPD, focusing on dilating the airways rather than providing continuous airway pressure. Mechanical ventilation is an invasive method reserved for critically ill patients and is not suitable for routine management of sleep apnea in the home setting.