Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but often overlooked condition that affects your breathing while you sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or close. This leads to pauses in breathing that can last from 10 to 90 seconds, sometimes occurring more than 30 times an hour.
These repeated disruptions can lower your oxygen levels, cause brief awakenings, and prevent you from getting deep, restorative sleep. Over time, sleep apnea symptoms like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches can affect your quality of life and overall health.
Sleep Apnea in Singapore – How Common Is It?
Studies show that about 30.5% of adults in Singapore have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, yet up to 91% remain undiagnosed. Early diagnosis through a reliable sleep apnea test can help you avoid long-term complications.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Breathing pauses noticed by a partner
- Feeling tired despite 7–8 hours of sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Poor concentration or memory
- “Brain fog” and poor productivity
- Irritability or low mood
- Frequent urination at night
If you wake up feeling unrefreshed or struggle with excessive daytime sleepiness, it may be time to get assessed for sleep apnea.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
You may be more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea if you:
- Are over 40
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a family history of sleep apnea
- Smoke or consume alcohol frequently
- Have a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion
- Have medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Can Sleep Apnea Be Dangerous?
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect sleep, it can lead to serious long-term health risks, including:
- Poor job or school performance
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Heart disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure
- Stroke
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Reduced quality of life
- In severe cases, sudden cardiac events
Sleep apnea can increase the risk of life-threatening complications if left unmanaged.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose sleep apnea, you’ll need to undergo a sleep study. There are two main types:
Conducted overnight at a sleep centre, where sensors monitor your brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing.
A home sleep study is a convenient and comfortable way to assess for sleep apnea in the comfort of your own home. It involves wearing a portable device overnight that monitors key sleep-related metrics such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement.
Home Sleep Apnea Test in Singapore with O2 Lung Centre
At O2 Lung Centre, we offer a home-based sleep study using the Belun Ring, a device that fits comfortably on your finger and monitors your sleep data.
Service Package
Belun Ring Home Sleep Study Package
HSA-approved, clinically validated for Asian populations
What’s Included:
- Initial assessment by our respiratory specialist
- 2-night home sleep study with the Belun Ring
- FREE return courier service
- FREE comprehensive sleep study report
- FREE follow-up specialist review
- FREE CPAP prescription, if indicated
What It Measures:
- Oxygen levels (SpO₂)
- Heart rate & variability
- Sleep stages & duration
- Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)
- Movement & body position during sleep
Mention “Belun Ring Package” when booking.
Price: $388
(Before GST)
Disclaimer
- This package is available for self-paying outpatients only. If you are covered by insurance, please contact us directly for further assistance.
- This package pricing is only available during its promotional period. The details of this package, including pricing, services, and availability, are subject to change without prior notice.
- All services included in this package are subject to terms and conditions, as well as the approval of participating clinics.
- This package does not cover additional consultations, treatments or services that may be recommended following the initial assessments.
- The company reserves the right to modify or discontinue this package at its sole discretion.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Singapore
The right treatment for sleep apnea depends on its severity and your individual health profile. The first step is to undergo a proper diagnosis Once diagnosed, your sleep specialist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
This is the most widely used and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep, helping to reduce breathing pauses and improve sleep quality. There are other types of positive airway pressure devices i.e., BiPAP, ASV etc which may be offered to patients with more complicated cases of sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances
Custom-made mouthpieces, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), gently shift your lower jaw forward or hold the tongue in place to keep your airway open during sleep. These are usually suitable for mild to moderate OSA.
Neurostimulation Therapy
In some cases, an implanted device may be considered. This therapy involves stimulating specific nerves to help maintain an open airway while you sleep. This option is typically considered when other treatments are not suitable.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can all significantly reduce symptoms of sleep apnea, especially in those with mild to moderate OSA.
Nasal Decongestants
For people with mild sleep apnea and nasal congestion, using decongestants may help improve airflow and reduce symptoms like snoring.
Surgery
Surgical options may be explored for patients who do not respond well to non-invasive treatments. These procedures aim to remove or reduce the tissue that may be blocking the airway.
O2 Lung Centre: Sleep Apnea Treatment with Sleep Specialist
If you’re experiencing loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or disrupted sleep, it could be more than just poor rest. Our experienced respiratory physicians at O2 Lung Centre specialise in diagnosing and managing sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.
We offer evidence-based treatment options tailored to your needs — from lifestyle guidance to CPAP therapy and beyond.