Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for adults with OSA — from initial assessment to long-term management.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common, treatable condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing breathing to pause — sometimes hundreds of times a night. It is estimated that over one million people in the UK are living with OSA, many of them undiagnosed.
Left untreated, OSA is associated with significant health risks including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and impaired cognitive function. The good news is that with accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, the condition is highly manageable — and for many patients, effectively resolved.
Jump to: Recognising the symptoms · STOP-BANG Quiz · Treatment options · Why Hillser · FAQsRecognising the symptoms
OSA can present differently in different people. Common symptoms include:
Loud, persistent snoring — often with pauses or gasping episodes
Waking unrefreshed despite a full night's sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches or a dry mouth on waking
Frequent waking during the night
Mood changes, low energy, or reduced libido
OSA is more common in middle-aged and older adults, in men, and in individuals with excess weight around the neck — though it can affect people of any age, body type, or gender.
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment can be planned. Depending on your presentation, this may involve a home sleep study (oximetry or polygraphy), a formal sleep study in a specialist unit, or a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE), a procedure in which the airway is evaluated under light sedation to identify the precise level and pattern of obstruction. Our team of ENT consultants, led by Ms Maria Pulido, will guide you through the most appropriate diagnostic pathway.
How severe is sleep apnoea? Understanding AHI scores
| AHI Score | Severity | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer than 5 events per hour | None | No OSA — snoring assessment may still be appropriate |
| 5–14 events per hour | Mild OSA | Lifestyle changes, oral appliance, or nasal treatment may help |
| 15–30 events per hour | Moderate OSA | CPAP, surgery or alternative therapies recommended |
| More than 30 events per hour | Severe OSA | Treatment strongly advised — CPAP, surgery or implant therapy |
Sleep apnoea severity is measured using the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) — the average number of breathing interruptions per hour of sleep. Your AHI score, measured during a sleep study, guides which treatments are most appropriate.
A home sleep study is the most straightforward way to measure your AHI.
Not sure if you have sleep apnoea?
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Use our quick STOP-BANG screening questionnaire, a clinically validated tool widely used by ENT and sleep specialists.
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a brief screening tool designed to assess your risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. It covers key indicators including snoring patterns, daytime fatigue, breathing disturbances during sleep, and established physiological and lifestyle risk factors.
It is not a diagnostic tool, but a high score may suggest that further evaluation, such as a formal sleep study, would be worthwhile.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on your anatomy, severity, and lifestyle.
Options at Hillser Clinic include:
CPAP therapy — the first-line non-surgical treatment, delivering pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep
Minimally invasive procedures — including nasal interventions (ClariFix, LATERA), palate procedures, and tongue-base treatments
Sleep apnoea surgery — for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or where surgery offers a superior outcome
Weight management and lifestyle support — as part of a broader, integrated treatment approach
Individual factors including OSA severity, airway anatomy, medical history, and CPAP tolerance all influence the treatment approach — each of these is assessed carefully at consultation.
Why choose Hillser Clinic?
Consultant-led expertise – all diagnostic assessments and treatment decisions are led by senior ENT surgeons with specialist experience in OSA management.
Advanced techniques – access to DISE, home sleep studies, and the full range of surgical and non-surgical interventions, tailored to your individual findings.
Integrated care – access to nutrition and wellness support alongside medical and surgical treatment for a comprehensive care pathway.
Safety and clinical excellence – procedures carried out at leading hospitals in London and the South East, ensuring safe and convenient care for patients from a wide area.
FAQs
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Snoring involves vibration of the airway tissues without complete obstruction. In OSA, the airway collapses partially or fully, causing breathing to stop temporarily. OSA typically produces more significant symptoms — including daytime sleepiness and unrefreshing sleep — and carries greater health implications than snoring alone.
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In most cases, yes — an objective measure of your breathing during sleep is needed to confirm a diagnosis of OSA and determine its severity. This can often be arranged via a home device. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate type of study based on your symptoms.
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CPAP is the most widely used first-line treatment and is highly effective when tolerated. However, a range of surgical and non-surgical alternatives exist for patients who cannot adapt to CPAP or where anatomy makes it less suitable. Your treatment plan will be determined by your clinical assessment.
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In the UK, you have a legal obligation to inform the DVLA if you have been diagnosed with OSA that affects your ability to drive safely. Untreated moderate or severe OSA can significantly impair reaction times and concentration. We would advise discussing this with your consultant at your first appointment, who can guide you on your responsibilities and the steps to take.
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Yes. Untreated OSA is associated with significantly increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, and road traffic accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness. Effective treatment substantially reduces these risks — which is why early assessment and diagnosis is important.
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We typically offer consultations within a few days of enquiry. Please contact us via the website or by email to check current availability.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnoea, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, specialist assessment is an important first step. Our consultants will guide you through diagnosis and the most effective treatment options.
Book your consultation today with Hillser Clinic and take the first step towards better sleep.
