Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep due to an airway blockage. Left untreated, OSA increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes while severely impacting quality of life. Effective treatments are available to restore healthy sleep.

When Does Snoring Become a Health Problem?

Recognising the Warning Signs

Obstructive sleep apnoea presents with distinct symptoms that partners often notice first. The most telling sign is loud, persistent snoring followed by periods where breathing stops, causing the person to gasp or choke. Despite spending enough hours in bed, people with OSA often wake feeling unrefreshed and struggle with daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

The Health Risks of Untreated OSA

When breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, oxygen levels drop and blood pressure spikes, placing enormous strain on the cardiovascular system. Clinical studies show untreated OSA increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The condition also significantly raises the likelihood of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.

Treatment Success Rates

Modern OSA treatment achieves excellent outcomes. Medical therapy using CPAP achieves 85-90% effectiveness in clinical trials when used consistently, whilst surgical options show 75-85% success rates in our experience for appropriately selected candidates.

Is Your Snoring Actually Sleep Apnoea?

Understanding the Difference

Simple snoring involves a consistent, rhythmic sound without the dangerous breathing interruptions that characterise sleep apnoea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea involves

Breathing stops for 10 seconds or more, multiple times per hour.
Loud snoring followed by silence, then gasping or choking sounds.
Fragmented sleep that leads to daytime exhaustion.
Oxygen levels drop, causing strain on the heart and brain.

Dr Nguyen's Expert Take

"Many patients come to me saying 'I just snore loudly,' but when we investigate with sleep studies, we often find significant sleep apnoea. The key difference is whether breathing actually stops—and this distinction can be life-saving. In my practice across Sydney and Forster, I've seen how proper diagnosis transforms lives."

How Severe is Your OSA?

Sleep apnoea severity is measured by the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI), which counts breathing disruptions per hour of sleep.

Mild OSA

5-15 interruptions per hour.

Moderate OSA

15-30 interruptions per hour.

Severe OSA

30+ interruptions per hour.

Why Won't CPAP Work for Everyone?

Common CPAP Problems

CPAP therapy is highly effective but can be challenging for some patients due to mask discomfort, claustrophobia, or a chronic stuffy nose that prevents its effective use.

When Surgery Becomes the Better Option

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, surgical intervention becomes the most effective long-term solution. This is particularly true if there are clear anatomical factors causing the blockage, such as enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or tongue base enlargement.

Dr Nguyen's Expert Take

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnoea?

Professional Sleep Assessment Process

An accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation.

This begins with an initial consultation where Dr Nguyen will take a detailed sleep history and perform a physical examination of your airway, often using nasendoscopy.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) 
This is the gold standard treatment. A machine delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Oral Appliance Therapy 
A custom-made mouthguard that moves the lower jaw forward to open the airway. It is best for mild to moderate OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Lifestyle Modifications 
Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and quitting smoking can significantly improve OSA symptoms.

Advanced Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical treatment targets the specific anatomical problems causing your sleep apnoea. This can include:

Nasal Surgery 
Procedures like septoplasty or turbinate reduction to improve nasal breathing and CPAP tolerance.
Soft Palate Surgery 
Procedures such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to address blockage in the throat.
Specialised Advanced Procedures 
For complex cases, options can include hypoglossal nerve stimulation or multilevel surgery.

How Long Until I Feel Better?

Treatment response varies, but most patients notice significant improvements within weeks to months.

With CPAP Therapy 

Most people feel a significant improvement in daytime alertness within the first month.

After Nasal Surgery 

A significant improvement in nasal airflow is typically felt within the first month.

After Soft Palate Surgery 

Recovery takes 2-3 weeks, with a post-operative sleep study at two months to assess improvement.

Dr Nguyen's Expert Take

"Patients often ask when they'll feel 'normal' again. The truth is, many people have had OSA for years, so 'normal' sleep feels dramatically better than they remember. Most patients notice significant improvements within the first month of effective treatment."

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, OSA typically progresses over time, especially with weight gain or aging. The health risks compound, making early treatment crucial.

OSA can be effectively managed and sometimes cured. Surgical correction of an anatomical problem can provide a permanent improvement, while CPAP provides excellent control as long as it is used consistently.

Surgery candidacy depends on your specific anatomy, OSA severity, and treatment goals. Dr Nguyen performs a comprehensive evaluation, including nasal endoscopy, to determine if surgical correction would be beneficial.

A referral from your GP is necessary to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. While you can book an appointment without one, a referral ensures you receive the maximum benefit and provides me with your relevant medical history.