To make sure you understand the condition, obstructive sleep apnea refers to a cutting off of the airways when a person sleeps; this is usually caused by fatty tissue around the neck and throat collapsing when a person is at rest, either because of their being obese or because of their physical makeup in general.  It's important to get treatment for obstructive sleep apnea if you have it, as this is a very dangerous condition that can lead to cardiovascular problems, circulation problems, blood poisoning, diabetes, mood swings, and in some extreme cases even brain damage.

A patient's treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is going to depend upon his or her physical condition, the severity of the condition, and of course the cause of the condition as well.  Many persons who are obese have sleep apnea, as the excess fatty tissue around the throat and neck will collapse as they sleep, cutting off this airway.  Of course the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a case such as this would include losing weight as much as possible. 

There are also certain machines that patients sometimes use at night that work by forcing air into the lungs, like how blowing into a balloon forces it to expand.  These machines typically look like the oxygen masks you see at the hospital and fit over the face and mouth, and are hooked up to an oxygen tank.  This type of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is commonplace but typically somewhat uncomfortable, expensive, and clumsy for most to use.  It is usually better for a patient to address any physical conditions that are causing his or her apnea in the first place.

Certain surgeries can be performed as treatment of obstructive sleep apnea; for instance, if there is excessive tissue on the soft palate, which is the area of the roof of the mouth in the back, then this can be cut away very easily. 

Sometimes lifestyle changes or medication adjustments can be made as well as a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea; speak to your doctor about your options if you have this condition.