Chart — Respiratory
Obstructive vs Central Sleep Apnea Chart
One question separates them: is the patient trying to breathe? In obstructive apnea the effort is there but the airway is blocked; in central apnea the drive to breathe itself stops.
Educational use only. Diagnosis and therapy are provider-directed and individualized. This chart is an educational comparison aid. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Feature | Obstructive (OSA) | Central (CSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Defining difference | Respiratory EFFORT present (chest moves) but airway is blocked | Respiratory effort ABSENT — no drive to breathe |
| Mechanism | Upper-airway collapse during sleep | Brainstem fails to signal the respiratory muscles |
| Typical patient / cause | Obesity, large neck, crowded airway | Heart failure, stroke, opioids, high altitude |
| Snoring | Loud, prominent | Often absent |
| Treatment | CPAP, weight loss, positional therapy | Treat underlying cause; adaptive servo-ventilation/BiPAP; reduce opioids |
Exam Traps
- ✦OSA = effort present, airway blocked (loud snoring); CSA = no effort, no drive to breathe.
- ✦OSA is driven by obesity/anatomy; CSA by heart failure, stroke, opioids, or high altitude.
- ✦CPAP is first-line for OSA; CSA is treated by addressing the cause (± adaptive servo-ventilation).
- ✦Opioids can cause/worsen central apnea — a key perioperative caution.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) · GOLD (COPD) / ATS / CHEST. It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →