[Therapeutic alternatives to CPAP in the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Scientific evidence]

Abstract

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAPS) is a very prevalent disease in the general population.Its existence has been related with the appearance of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, greater risk of traffic accidents and deterioration of the quality of life of the patients.Currently, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice in SAPS. Although it is generally well-tolerated and the side effects derived from its use are generally mild and transient, there are some patients who refuse it or do not tolerate it. Other alterative or complementary treatments should be offered to these patients.