Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a type of Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB).  OSA is thought to be as common as Asthma, though many sufferers remain undiagnosed.

OSA is a serious condition with potentially life-threatening health risks.  It is known to affect 1 in 5 people in Australia.

People with OSA stop breathing periodically during sleep due to a collapse of the upper airway.  During these periods, air is blocked from entering the lungs.

There are several factors that may contribute to an upper airway collapse:

• Crowding of tissue in the upper airway
• large tounge
• Obesity
• Decrease muscle tone around the upper airway

Normal Airway

Partially Obstructed Airway (snoring)

Obstructed Airway