Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in Adults
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults are common conditions that disrupt restful sleep, impacting overall health and quality of life.
While snoring can often seem harmless, when associated with OSA it can lead to serious health issues. Understanding the difference and recognising symptoms early can help manage these conditions effectively.
Understanding snoring and sleep apnoea
What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing brief but frequent pauses in breathing called apnoeas.
These episodes are often unnoticed by the person experiencing them. While similar, snoring alone usually doesn’t cause breathing interruptions.
A less common form, known as central sleep apnoea, differs by involving pauses in breathing due to the brain’s control mechanisms rather than airway blockage.
Why it matters
Untreated OSA significantly impacts daily life, causing daytime tiredness, poor concentration, memory difficulties, and strained relationships.
Prolonged untreated sleep apnoea may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.
Effective management of these conditions can improve overall health and wellbeing.
Signs you may have sleep apnoea
Common symptoms
Typical symptoms indicating possible obstructive sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Frequent pauses in breathing (often reported by a partner)
- Unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth
- Daytime tiredness, low mood, poor concentration
When to seek assessment
Snoring becomes a medical concern if it interferes with your sleep quality or if associated symptoms of OSA appear.
If you regularly experience disrupted sleep, loud snoring, or breathing pauses, see your GP or an ENT specialist.
Diagnosis typically involves sleep studies, which can be conducted in-lab or at home.
Diagnosing sleep apnoea
Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)
Sleep studies or Polysomnogram (PSG) measure breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns overnight.
These tests help identify the severity of sleep apnoea and inform suitable treatment options. The majority of patients can have tests connected in store and take home to sleep at night (ambulatory sleep study). Rarely are patients required to stay in a sleep laboratory overnight.
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE)
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a specialised diagnostic procedure performed under light sedation.
It visually identifies exact areas of airway collapse during sleep, guiding precise treatment decisions.
Learn more about DISE.
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Non-surgical and conservative measures
Many patients start with non-surgical options, which may include:
CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Often considered the gold standard, CPAP uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway open during sleep. It’s especially helpful for moderate to severe cases of OSA.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)
These custom-made dental devices reposition the lower jaw slightly forward to help maintain an open airway. They’re usually best for mild to moderate OSA.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple changes can make a significant difference, such as losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption, managing allergies, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.
CPAP intolerance or ineffectiveness of conservative measures may lead some patients to consider surgical options.
Surgical Treatment: A long-term solution
For patients who snore, struggle with CPAP or haven’t had success with conservative options, surgery can be a highly effective and often life-changing alternative for the right patient.
Our surgical treatments:
- Reduce or eliminate snoring
- Improve airflow during sleep
- Reduce the severity of sleep apnoea
- Enhance your energy levels, focus, and overall well-being
Each procedure is customised to your unique airway anatomy, sleep study results, and lifestyle. Surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach—Dr Phillips carefully assesses each patient to determine the most suitable options.
Not everyone is a candidate for surgery.
Some patients may have medical or anatomical factors that make surgery less appropriate or effective. That’s why we conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a detailed sleep study, an airway examination, and a discussion of your overall health and goals. If surgery is not recommended, we will help you explore other tailored solutions that fit your needs.
Common Surgical Options Include:
Nasal Surgery
For patients with blocked nasal passages, surgery to correct a deviated septum or reduce enlarged turbinates can make a big difference, on its own or to make CPAP or MAS more comfortable and effective.
Throat and Tongue Procedures
Techniques such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Coblation tongue channelling, or other soft palate and tongue base surgeries can help clear the airway by removing or reshaping obstructive tissue.
Multilevel Surgery
In some cases, combining procedures at different levels of the airway offers the best results.
Surgical procedures offered by Dr Phillips
Supporting better sleep and recovery
Managing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can significantly improve your daily energy, mood, and overall health. Every patient’s situation is unique, and treatment plans are carefully individualised.
Simple lifestyle adjustments like maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol close to bedtime can support better sleep outcomes.
Book a consultation
If you snore, feel tired despite a full night’s sleep, or suspect you may have sleep apnoea, a consultation with Dr Phillips can help clarify the cause and explore treatment options suited to your needs.
