Philips Healthcare | Steps to sleep apnea treatment

I think I may have sleep apnea*.
What next?

"My wife pushed me into going to see the doctor and it was the best thing I’ve ever done."

Naveed Hussain, patient

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea you should make an appointment with your GP, who will be able to advice you on whether you need to be referred to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. Here is a useful checklist to prepare for your appointment with your GP.

Complete the sleep test and take the results to your appointment

Make a note of any other symptoms such as: mood swings, a dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up.

Ask your partner and family member to observe how you sleep and make of note of their observations.

Some people find it useful to get their family member to make a short recording of them sleeping, snoring and even having an apnea.

1. Take the sleep test

There are only 8 questions and should only take you a few minutes.

Take the quiz

2. Make an appointment with your GP

Don’t forget to take your results to your appointment.

Check symptoms

3. Take the OSA screening and diagnosis

If your GP suspects that you have sleep apnea, they will refer you to a sleep specialist where a sleep study will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The sleep study may be done in the sleep centre or you may be given a test kit to use in your own home.

Screening and diagnosis

4. Your treatment will begin

Following your sleep study, if your diagnosis for sleep apnea is confirmed, you will be started on treatment which will be prescribed by your sleep specialist.
Treatment involves a device and a mask. Together, they will deliver gentle air pressure to splint your airways open, so that your throat doesn’t collapse when you sleep.

Select the right mask

5. Review your treatment

Your Sleep Specialist will put in a place a protocol to monitor your progress and ensure that the treatment you have been prescribed is effective for you.

Replacement components

*Also known in the UK as ‘Apnoea’

Supporting you every step of the way

I think I may have sleep apnea*. What next?

"My wife pushed me into going to see the doctor and it was the best thing I’ve ever done." Naveed Hussain, patient