Snoring is the most common sign of OSA. If you snore and have symptoms such as
excessive daytime sleepiness, or awaken choking/gasping for air, you should share this with your doctor.

Other symptoms include morning headaches, obesity, frequent irritation at night, depression and irritability, large neck or crowded upper airway, and post-menopausal women.

What is a sleep study?

You would report to a facility, where they have equipment to monitor you while you sleep. This study would provide information about how you breathe and sleep patterns. This would enlighten your physician of the severity of the illness and help determine the next course of action.

What happens after I have been diagnosed with OSA?

Once the study is complete, you may have to return for a second sleep study to determine the course of treatment. You would sleep at the same monitoring facility. This time you would be placed on treatment called CPAP* which is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine. You would wear a mask over your nose or your nose and mouth, depending on whether you breathe through your nose or mouth

The technicians will be monitoring your breathing and will be able to determine the correct amount of pressure needed.

* For more information on CPAP, please click here

I have been diagnosed with OSA, now what?

The sleep lab will prepare your paperwork and refer you to a Durable Medical Equipment Provider. Your insurance will be contacted to determine coverage and if pre-certification is required. You should then be contacted and arrange for an appointment. The set up of the equipment can take place in your home or in the provider’s office. The equipment is small and portable. You will be fitted for the correct mask, instructed on correct usage and proper care of your equipment.

You should be contacted periodically over the next month to see if you are having any problems and answer any new questions.

What is OSA? - OSA Facts - OSA Symptoms