Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep that last from a few seconds to a minute.  Sleep apnea can pose serious health risks and negatively impact quality of life.

75% of those with severe sleep disordered breathing go undiagnosed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Normal Breathing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Positive Pressure Therapy
During normal breathing, the throat is clear and open, allowing air to flow freely to and from the lungs. While a person with OSA sleeps, tissues at the back of the throat collapse and block the flow of air. Positive pressure therapy can keep the airway open so that air flows freely to and from the lungs.

IRS offers Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) screening as a next-day service, whereas conventional methods can take several weeks. We explain OSA to our patients, outline signs and symptoms in our questionnaire, use overnight oximetry to establish a baseline and indication of severity, and use Epworth Sleepiness Scale to evaluate daytime sleepiness.

The results of the tests are reviewed with the patient and a detailed report is sent to the referring physician in a timely manner. With a physician’s signed referral, a trial of CPAP therapy is initiated. Click here for a printable Referral Form (.pdf format). Our services include:

  • CPAP/BiPAP trial (mask not included)
  • Respiratory Assessments
  • Overnight Oximetry (sleep apnea screening)
  • Home Oxygen Assessments (Resting, Walking, Overnight Oximetry)

Sleep Apnea Defined

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when tissues in the throat collapse and block the flow of air in and out of the lungs during sleep. there is no airflow despite efforts to breathe. People with OSA struggle to breathe again and again, making restful sleep impossible.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
This results from the brain not signalling the body to breathe. There is no airflow because there is no effort to breathe. Sleep may also be disrupted by CSA.

Mixed Sleep Apnea
This is a combination of central apnea and obstructive apnea.

Possible Consequences of Untreated OSA

  • Hypertension/cardiac arrhythmia/myocardial ischemia/infarction/stroke
  • Motor vehicle/work-related accidents due to sleepiness
  • Decreased quality of life

Signs & Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • Snoring interrupted by pauses in breathing
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Problem with mental function
  • Memory loss
  • Irritability and depression
  • Large neck, obesity, crowded airway

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • The most common treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced “see-PAP”.
  • Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances which may be effective in certain individuals.
  • Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.

Copyright 2009 - IRS Independent Respiratory Services Inc.