American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (cPAP) therapy is considered the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because it effectively maintains an open airway during sleep by providing a constant stream of air. This prevents the collapse of the upper airway, which is the primary issue in OSA, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of apneas and hypopneas.

cPAP is widely studied and has robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in improving oxygen saturation, reducing daytime sleepiness, and enhancing overall quality of life for patients with OSA. The device is non-invasive, easy to use, and has been shown to significantly decrease the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as cardiovascular complications and metabolic issues.

While other treatment options—like surgery, BiPAP, and oral appliances—can be effective for certain patients or specific situations, they do not have the same level of universal acceptance or extensive validation in the broader patient population as cPAP. Surgery is often considered only in severe cases or when other treatments fail, BiPAP is usually used for patients who cannot tolerate cPAP, and oral appliances are generally recommended for mild to moderate cases and special situations. Hence, these alternatives do not represent the primary standard of care that c