Diagnostic Sleep Study
The first step, prior to actual treatment, is to have an accurate diagnosis. This allows us to determine if you have sleep apnoea and how severe it is.
At Queensland Regional Sleep Clinic, we have specialised equipment which enables you to undergo a sleep study in the comfort and privacy of your own home, rather than in a hospital or sleep laboratory.
The sleep study equipment will measure your brainwave activity, blood oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rhythms, the number of times you stop breathing and the effects of those stoppages … plus much more. Many patients are amazed at what the sleep study uncovers – and the data is invaluable in determining the best course of treatment for your condition.
If you have previously had a sleep study in a hospital, you do not normally need to repeat the sleep study as we can often use your previous results - please discuss this with a consultant when you contact us.
What treatments are available?
There are 3 medically-approved forms of treatment available:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP has been found to be nearly 100 percent effective and so it is generally considered to be the 'Gold Standard' for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, especially severe obstructive sleep apnoea.
CPAP delivers air into the airway through a specially designed mask which is attached to a pressure pump. The mask/pump is designed to gently inflate the airway so that it won't collapse and stop you from breathing.
Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS)
MAS therapy involves the custom fitting of specialised dental devices which sit comfortably and discreetly inside the patient’s mouth while asleep. The device holds the mandible (lower jaw) and connected tissue clear of the airway.
This form of treatment may be used for snoring and mild sleep apnoea. Oral appliances are non-invasive, reversible and easily tolerated.
Surgery
Surgical procedures are sometimes an unavoidable necessity (for example, in cases where the patient suffers from a ‘crowded airway’, caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or where there is chronic nasal obstruction.)
Surgery is recommended for a small percentage of people. We would refer you to an appropriately qualified ENT surgeon if surgery is necessary for you.
