Video Transcript: Sleep apnoea is a periodic collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It’s that simple. So basically about 10 centimetres of the airway, which is determined by the soft palate down to your just above your Adam’s apple, I guess in lay terms, that area of airway collapses at night and affects how well you sleep. So in very simple terms, that’s what it is. It’s a disease of age and weight, really. So the older you get, the worse it gets, the fat you get, the worse it gets.
So if you don’t treat it, you it leads to a whole lot of other medical issues, such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease, risk of stroke, and diabetes. And there’s just a raft of other medical complaints that are related to obstructive sleep apnoea and also a reciprocal relationship. So certainly fixing the sleep apnoea does probably make you live longer. That’s important.
How OSA Physically Blocks Your Airway
When you sleep, the muscles supporting your soft palate, uvula and tongue relax. In patients with OSA, this relaxation progresses to a state of hypotonia, low muscle tone, where the airway narrows severely enough to stop air from passing through altogether.
The Physical Blockage The tongue falls back against the soft palate, creating a seal that cuts off airflow to the lungs.
The Hypoxic Response As blood oxygen drops, the brain detects a survival threat and surges the body with adrenaline, forcing a micro-arousal so breathing can resume.
The Sleep Fragmentation These cycles can occur 30 to 60 times per hour. The brain never reaches the deep, restorative sleep stages required for cognitive function, immune health, or cardiovascular recovery.
The Three Types of Sleep Apnoea
There are three clinically recognised forms of sleep apnoea. Understanding which type you have is the foundation of effective treatment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) The most prevalent type, caused by the physical collapse of throat soft tissue during sleep. OSA accounts for the vast majority of sleep apnoea diagnoses and is the primary focus of Absolute Sleep’s treatment approach.
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) A neurological condition in which the brain intermittently fails to send the correct signals to breathing muscles. Less common than OSA and typically associated with underlying cardiac or neurological conditions.
Complex Sleep Apnoea A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea that can develop in some patients, particularly those undergoing CPAP therapy.
How OSA Is Classified: The Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI)
Sleep physicians diagnose and classify OSA using the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI), a measure of how many times per hour your breathing stops or significantly slows during sleep. Your AHI determines the severity of your condition and directly informs the most appropriate treatment pathway.
|
Severity |
AHI |
Key Risks |
|
Mild OSA |
5–15 events/hr |
Daytime fatigue, long-term cardiovascular strain |
|
Moderate OSA |
15–30 events/hr |
Elevated accident risk, metabolic dysfunction |
|
Severe OSA |
30+ events/hr |
Critical stroke and heart failure risk |
Learn more about the long-term consequences of untreated OSA on our Sleep Apnoea Health Risks
Why Untreated Sleep Apnoea Is a Medical Risk, Not Just a Sleep Problem
Snoring and interrupted sleep are not simply inconveniences; they are signals of a condition that progressively damages cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological health. Sleep disorders cost the Australian economy more than $66 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses, according to the Sleep Health Foundation. But the personal cost is far greater.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk
The repetitive fight-or-flight response triggered by low oxygen causes chronic hypertension, often resistant to standard medication. Research also shows a well-established bidirectional relationship between OSA and type 2 diabetes.
Neurological Health and Longevity
Chronic oxygen deprivation during sleep is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative risk. The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study found that patients with untreated severe sleep apnoea have a threefold higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with those who receive treatment.
Screening With the STOP-BANG Tool
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a clinically validated screening tool used to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea based on factors such as snoring, tiredness, observed apnoea, blood pressure, BMI, age, neck circumference, and gender. It is a useful first step, but it is not a diagnosis. A formal sleep study remains the only way to confirm OSA and determine its severity.
Have questions about diagnosis and screening? Contact us!
Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Perth: Beyond CPAP
CPAP is widely recognised as the conventional treatment for sleep apnoea, but long-term compliance is often poor, with many patients finding the mask uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or difficult to maintain, according to research published in PubMed. At Absolute Sleep, we specialise in custom mandibular splints as a clinically proven, comfortable CPAP alternative.
Targeted Jaw Support A custom-fitted dental appliance that gently repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep, physically preventing airway collapse without the need for a mask or machine.
Mechanical Efficacy By advancing the jaw, the device keeps the tongue and soft palate from collapsing into the airway, maintaining an open passage for airflow throughout the night.
Medical-Grade Treatment Our splints are medical-grade devices, prescribed and fitted by practitioners trained specifically in dental sleep medicine, not off-the-shelf products.
Sleep Apnoea FAQs
| Severity | AHI | Key Risks |
| Mild OSA | 5–15 events/hr | Daytime fatigue, long-term cardiovascular strain |
| Moderate OSA | 15–30 events/hr | Elevated accident risk, metabolic dysfunction |
| Severe OSA | 30+ events/hr | Critical stroke and heart failure risk |
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea?
While snoring is the sound caused by vibrating tissues in the throat, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a medical condition where those tissues completely collapse, physically blocking your airflow. Snoring is often a primary symptom of OSA, but the major difference is the interruption of breathing and the drop in blood oxygen levels that occurs with apnoea.
How do I know if my sleep apnoea is severe?
Sleep apnoea severity is measured using the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI), which tracks how many breathing interruptions you experience per hour. A formal sleep study is the only way to determine your AHI and your condition’s severity.
Can sleep apnoea be treated without a CPAP machine?
Yes. While CPAP is a common treatment, many patients find it difficult to tolerate. Absolute Sleep specialises in custom-fitted mandibular splints. These medical-grade oral appliances gently reposition the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, providing a comfortable, mask-free alternative to CPAP.
Is a mandibular splint the same as a mouthguard from the chemist?
No. Over-the-counter mouthguards are not designed to treat sleep apnoea and often fail to provide the precise jaw advancement needed to keep the airway open. Absolute Sleep’s devices are medical-grade appliances custom-fitted by practitioners trained in dental sleep medicine to ensure both efficacy and jaw safety.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Whether you’re an occasional snorer or have been told you stop breathing in your sleep, a clinical assessment is the starting point for understanding what’s happening and what to do about it. Absolute Sleep’s Perth clinic offers personalised assessments and treatment planning for patients at every stage.
