Obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a syndrome of excessive daytime sleepiness and irregular breathing during the night. It is conservatively estimated that about 2% of middle-aged males and 1% of middle-aged females suffer with this condition but the true figure may be much higher. The consequences of untreated sleep apnoea on daily life include increased sleepiness, poor concentration, mood or personality changes, reduction in quality of life, unrefreshing sleep, choking attacks at night, decreased libido and impaired relationships with others especially between spouses and partners. The reduced alertness can be dangerous and result in an increased risk of accidents on the roads or at work. Sleepiness at the wheel is thought to cause about 20% of road accidents on major roads. Sufferers from OSA may also be more likely to develop high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

OSA is probably the commonest cause of daytime sleepiness but there are other conditions that may produce similar symptoms. Predisposing factors include increasing age, male gender, obesity, sedative drugs and smoking/alcohol consumption. Patients will be assessed by a description of their symptoms and by completing a questionnaire known as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. They will have a physical examination and then undergo an overnight diagnostic sleep study in their own home which measures snoring, breathing patterns, oxygen levels and pulse rate. This information will allow the doctor to make a diagnosis of sleep apnoea.

There are several treatment options for OSA depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may respond to lifestyle changes such as weight loss, reduction in alcohol or sedatives/sleeping tablets. Some individuals with mild OSA may benefit from a mandibular advancement splint which is worn at night and brings the lower jaw forward thereby opening up the windpipe. Most patients with OSA will require a more definitive treatment known as continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP). This involves wearing a mask attached to a machine that delivers a continuous air pressure which splints open the upper airway and prevents obstruction during the night. The effect of treatment is usually a dramatic reduction in daytime sleepiness and other symptoms together with the abolition of snoring. Many patients say that they feel like a ‘new person’ after starting treatment. In most cases CPAP treatment will be long term and needs to be used every night to prevent the return of symptoms. It is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects which are invariably outweighed by the dramatic health improvements.

If you are diagnosed with OSA at Snore-Tech, the treatment options will be discussed in detail with you by your physician. If CPAP treatment is required you will be assessed by our sleep technician, fitted with a suitable mask and shown how to operate the machine. You will then undergo a one week home trial with an autoCPAP machine which automatically sets the correct pressure to keep your upper airway open during sleep. At the end of this period you will be reassessed and if the treatment has been successful you will be offered a choice of CPAP machines to purchase for long term use.

Please note, your insurance company may not pay for CPAP treatment. In either case, the patient is responsible for payment in advance, but if we can help you claim back from your insurance company, we will.