ApneaAnswer.com

There is only one way to truly determine the presence and severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and that is having a sleep study performed and evaluated by a sleep specialist.  That will be discussed in further detail throughout this website.  If you simply aiming to learn more about the disorder, and would like to try a self assessment, here are a few:

SleepApneaInfo.com self assessment

Talk About Sleep, Inc. self assessment

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine self assessment

Stanford University Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Although several of the above self-assessment tests are excellent, I prefer the following "STOP" questionnaire, introduced by Dr. F. Chung et al. 2008:

Measure your shirt collar size in cm:                __________

Do you snore? (add 3 points)                           __________

Do you have high blood pressure? (4 points)   __________

Has anyone ever observed you gasping, choking, or temporarily not breathing during sleep? (3 points)

                                                                         __________

Total Score:                                                      __________

Below 43:  Low probability of OSA

Between 43 and 48:  Moderate probability of OSA

Above 48:  High probability of OSA

Upon determining your risk and likelihood for having Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the next step is to schedule a sleep study.

A polysomnogram (sleep study) is the ONLY way to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea.  The only way to get true medical diagnosis for OSA is by undergoing a full blown polysomnogram in a sleep laboratory. To learn what a sleep study involves, please click here.

Most medical insurers require that a polysomnogram is performed prior to paying for any treatment.  Most medical insurers provide some coverage for a sleep study.  

Sleep laboratories do their best to accomodate individuals schedules by having patients come in during bedtime, and leaving in the early morning.  

Recently, take home sleep study devices have become popular.  They provide the ability to assess and diagnose sleep apnea, with lower cost and greater convenience.  To learn more about these take-home studies, please click here.