What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep.

Each pause can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and they happen many times a night. In the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. This causes shallow breathing or breathing pauses. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

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You’re not alone: nearly 6 million Canadians have sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a significant, yet manageable health condition that disrupts your breathing during sleep. This occurs as the tissues in the throat relax excessively, leading to a blocked airway and breathing difficulties. These apneas, or pauses in breathing, can last from several seconds to minutes, reducing your oxygen intake. 

Common signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring, abrupt awakenings with gasping, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. It’s also associated with serious long-term health risks, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and more.

Fortunately, once diagnosed, sleep apnea can be effectively managed. The leading treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, a specialty of Sleep Management Group.

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Stop Breathing
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Low Oxygen
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Symptoms & Health Risks

Identifying Symptoms and Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is different in each individual, but common symptoms include:
  • Loud snoring
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Excessive sleepiness during the day
  • Challenges in focusing
  • Insomnia or trouble staying asleep
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Irritability, depression, and anxiety

OSA can affect anyone, but some factors may increase your risk. Discover your risk level for sleep apnea with our specialized quiz.

Take the Quiz

Understanding the Health Risks Linked to OSA

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) significantly increases health risks, as evidenced by research. Patients with untreated OSA are:
140% more likely to experience heart failure1
60% more likely to suffer a stroke1
Up to 7 times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents2
Additional research highlights OSA’s association with various health conditions:
Approximately 83% of individuals with high blood pressure also have OSA3,4
About 48% of those with type 2 diabetes are affected by OSA5
Nearly 40% of people diagnosed with depression also have OSA6
64% of men with erectile dysfunction also struggle with OSA7
Shockingly, 80% of moderate to severe OSA cases remain undiagnosed.8 Seeking assessment and treatment for OSA is a crucial step in managing your health and improving your life quality.

Shahar et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001. 2. Hartenbaum et al. National Sleep Foundation 2006. 3. Logan et al. J Hypertens 2001. 4. Sjostrom et al. Thorax 2002. 5. Einhorn et al. Endocr Pract. 2007. 6. Basta et al. J Clin Sleep Med 2008. 7. Santos et al. Pulmonology Journal 2012. 8. American Association Sleep Apnea Association

Assess Your Risk: Take Our Quick Quiz

How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnea?

At Sleep Management Group, we collaborate with your doctor to make the assessment process for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) smoother after you receive your diagnosis. Here’s our approach:

  • Our professionals will guide you on the next steps in CPAP therapy after your initial diagnosis.
  • You’ll receive thorough guidance on using your CPAP equipment effectively at home, ensuring accurate data collection in your familiar sleeping environment.
  • After a period of using the CPAP device, you’ll have a follow-up consultation with us to assess your adaptation and progress.
  • We’ll work closely with your doctor throughout your therapy to ensure optimal treatment and adjustment of your CPAP therapy, as needed.
  • A detailed report including insights from your therapy and ongoing treatment options will be provided. Our skilled team is here to review your results and offer professional advice throughout your therapy.

Discover more about our post-diagnosis CPAP therapy process and schedule your session today!

Learn More

Understanding Treatment Options Based on Your Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Understanding the nuances of your sleep apnea diagnosis is key to determining the most effective treatment. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, affecting your oxygen levels and potentially leading to adverse symptoms and health risks.

Mild Sleep Apnea

If your sleep test showed 5-15 breathing disruptions per hour, your condition might be classified as mild. While some patients with mild sleep apnea may not immediately face health concerns, treatment can be beneficial, especially if you’re at risk for heart disease, diabetes, or experiencing symptoms of poor sleep quality. Sleep Management Group, in collaboration with your physician, will guide you to an appropriate treatment plan.

Moderate Sleep Apnea

Experiencing 15-30 breathing disruptions per hour indicates moderate sleep apnea. Medical guidelines generally advise treatment for this level of severity, with CPAP therapy as the primary recommendation.

Severe Sleep Apnea

More than 30 breathing disruptions per hour suggest severe sleep apnea. Due to the considerable health risks associated with severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is strongly recommended in line with medical guidelines.

Note: Sleep apnea can progress over time due to factors like aging, changes in throat muscle tone, or weight gain. If you’re diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and choose to delay treatment, it’s important to plan for re-evaluation every 2-3 years to monitor any changes in your condition.

Addressing Sleep Apnea: Your Treatment Path

Once your doctor has confirmed your diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Management Group will assist you in tailoring a treatment plan suited to your specific needs. The primary aim of sleep apnea treatment is to prevent airway obstruction during sleep. While there are various treatment options, some are more effective than others.

CPAP therapy is widely regarded as the most effective means to treat sleep apnea. CPAP – ‘continuous positive airway pressure’ – involves a compact device by your bedside that generates a steady air stream, maintaining an open airway as you sleep. This air is delivered through a tube connected to a mask you wear nightly. Modern advancements in CPAP technology have greatly enhanced the comfort of this treatment.

For those with Mild OSA, alternative treatments might be an option, especially if your symptoms are not significantly impacting your quality of life or if you’re not at heightened risk for other conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Treating sleep apnea is a long-term commitment, but one that many find incredibly rewarding. Our patients frequently report transformative experiences with CPAP therapy, citing substantial improvements in their overall quality of life.

Explore More About Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
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Hear from Our Patients: Real Stories, Real Results

I can’t even imagine how I functioned before CPAP.

About a year and a half ago, I became quite concerned because I was exhausted all the time and I had difficulties driving 20 minutes home. I thought that it was because I led such a busy life with family and work, but when I started waking up and felt like I could hardly wait to get back home to sleep again, I knew it wasn’t normal. It was recommended I have a sleep study done. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, although I had most of the symptoms on the “Indications for a Sleep Assessment”. I was set up on a CPAP machine and mask and the “adventure” began. I took me about 2 weeks to adjust to wearing a mask every night. At first, I hated the thought of even putting it on, especially in front of my husband, but he was a great support. Every night, I took my mask off at some point throughout the night without even knowing it. I guess my brain had to get used to me wearing a mask as well. I didn’t really notice a big difference until about a month after wearing it. I began waking up and feeling more refreshed and I was able to drive and wasn’t worried about falling asleep at the wheel. As time went on, I noticed more benefits. I had more energy, wasn’t anxious or depressed and was able to fall asleep easily at night and stay asleep. Even after 5 months, I noticed that my memory was improving and I didn’t have reflux anymore. Now when I think back, I can’t even imagine how I functioned before CPAP. I never think about sleeping without it and if I go away, it always comes with me. Going through this experience enables me to sympathize with the patients I work with to help them through their CPAP journey.
Donna/Sleep Therapeutics

Outstanding customer service that truly stands out!

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the amazing service my wife and I receive from your location. Sarah, especially, and others have have incredibly informative and patient in helping us with our equipment. It is outstanding customer service and truly stands out. Again, please extend our gratitude to Sarah and the rest of your amazing staff.
James and Arleen

I never felt pressured to make a decision.

I am writing you to commend Emily Israel for her wonderful customer service to me since March 2017. I experienced great difficulty and much frustration during the process of trying to choose an effective mask for my severe sleep apnea. Emily always greeted me with a smile and a warm welcome. I never felt pressured to make a decision, she responded to my questions with accuracy and confidence, she provided me with options and ensured me that I was “normal”. I recognized and appreciated her knowledge and expertise as a RRT, which gave me significant trust in her, knowing I was dealing with a professional.She was very clear in her delivery of information and techniques and always clarified my understanding before I walked out the door. I will happily refer my friends, colleagues and family, if need be, to Sleep Management Group for expert, expedient, and excellent service on all levels. Emily would be a very competent trainer of new staff if the opportunity presents itself. She clearly enjoys her career choice! Happy Canada Day!
Pat

Always putting the customer first.

My name is Steve Rayment and I’m a patient/customer at SMG on Speers Road, Oakville. I wanted to share my thoughts regarding the amazing service I’ve been getting working with Josh. I’ve had a number (5?) of recent visits trying to resolve my mask leakage. Josh has been amazing – knows my name, always encouraging, always looking for solutions, explains everything so I understand, and so on. I recently asked him if he is a business partner/owner – I don”t often see that level of service and dedication from employees. So, congratulations to you for hiring and developing such a great employee, and to him for always putting the customer first.
Steve

I will always recommend SMG!

I would like to take a moment to appreciate Ms. Amelia (Im sorry if I got her name wrong) for her outstanding service, patience and demeanor while rendering her duties during my visit to the SMG center on Spears road on the morning of Monday, 17 October. She was very kind, took a lot of questions patiently and always had a smile on her face. I will always recommend SMG to other people simply because of experiences like this.
Shanat

I will be returning!

Just a quick note to say how wonderful the service was that I received in your store today. Your staff were helpful and very friendly. I was pleased that I was treated with respect, professionalism and first class service. Thank you very kindly and I will be returning to your place of business in the future.
Magi

Best in class customer support.

I have been visiting Sleep Management Group in the Oakville location for the past 7 years. Even though I live in Mississauga it is worth the drive to Oakville because of the added customer support you get from Kathy and her team at Sleep Management Group. Kathy is very knowledgeable and supportive. She helped me a lot in getting adjusted but then monitored my results to ensure that I was getting the best results. She cares so much about her clients that she will take time to get to know each and every one of them on a first name basis. Every time I walk in to Sleep Management Group location in Oakville, Kathy and her staff know exactly what I need and within a very short time frame they are able to get everything I need so I can get on with the day. I highly recommend the Oakville location if you are looking for best in class customer support.
Bharat

Truly made a difference and I am so grateful.

Just a quick note to let you know how absolutely fabulous it has been for me to have Jennifer guide me through this maze that is Sleep Disorders. Sleep Apnea has been very challenging for me, from figuring out what machines and masks work best to settings that do and don’t work and everything in between Jennifer has been extremely helpful. She knows her stuff very well but more than that she cares. Because it has not been easy for me to settle in with the machines/masks etc. I ended up sleep deprived and emotionally low, but Jennifer just kept coming up with solutions and kept encouraging me at every turn. She has truly made a difference and I am so grateful to have been able to lean on her every step of the way. She’s simply the best!
Johanna

One of the best client service I ever had since in Canada.

I am one of your new customers; I just received my CPAP. I wanted to let you know how wowed and amazed I was when I visited the SMG Oakville branch thanks to your agent’s service. Cassandra and Nicole, both were professionals, pleasant with full of knowledge about the CPAP. For a first time I trusted an agent, I didn’t feel pushed to choose a model. Nicole has explained to me, with patience and a smile, all machines cons and pros. Bottom of the line, it’s one of the best client service I ever had since in Canada.
Zouheir

Simply OUTSTANDING!

If you are looking for a place to get your CPAP supplies and machine, I HIGHLY recommend SMG. Their service and expertise is simply OUTSTANDING. They have went above and beyond for me several times. Kathy is always very responsive and she is incredibly dedicated to customers. I had an urgent travel situation and needed a travel CPAP and couldn’t get to their store. She drove it HERSELF to my house and saved the day. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this fantastic company and Kathy! I am a life-long customer!
Paul

I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Kathy and her team at Sleep Management Oakville have been nothing short of outstanding with their impeccable and thoughtful service; in a world that is increasingly dominated by impersonal sales cultures, this business is a breath of fresh air! I cannot recommend them highly enough! I hope to maintain a wonderful relationship with this business for a long time; Kathy – great job leading and managing such a wonderful team of professionals!
Pat

Helping Ontario Breathe Easier

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Discover

Physician links patient symptoms and risk factors with possible OSA & refers the patient for testing at a sleep lab. 

Find Out More

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Test

Sleep lab performs an overnight test to determine if OSA is present. 

Learn about Testing

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Personalize

If the patient is diagnosed with OSA and prescribed CPAP, we personalize therapy to the patient, including a comprehensive CPAP trial. 

Personalize Your Therapy

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Experience

Our follow-up model ensures patients succeed with CPAP therapy, and experience the benefits long term. 

Experience the Benefits

From connecting your sleep apnea diagnosis to your post-diagnosis CPAP therapy personalization, Sleep Management Group is dedicated to supporting you on your path to better sleep health.

Begin your journey by reaching out to learn more about a post-diagnosis CPAP therapy consultation.

Ask Us a Question