Nasal cannula may be treatment option for sleep apnea

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July 18, 2007

A new study shows that nasal cannula pumping high levels of oxygen may be a viablew treatment option for patients with sleep apnea. The Johns Hopkins study was published in the July 2007American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, according to a American Thoracic Society press release.

The study shows that cannula used to pump 10L/minute of oxygen improved breathing, although snoring and airflow limitations remained. At 20L/minute, breathing was much improved and snoring ceased.