Apnoea is defined as a temporary absence or cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a condition in which a person experiences repeated episodes of apnoea because of a narrowing or closure of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. This is caused by a decrease in the tone of the muscles supporting the airway during sleep. Complete closure (obstruction) stops airflow (apnoea) whereas partial obstruction decreases airflow (hypopnoea).

On 26 March 2008 NICE issued its Health Technology Appraisal for Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnoea.

Download the document here

To assist in implementation of the HTA,  the BTS Sleep Apnoea Specialist Advisory Group has produced a Service Specification for Sleep Apnoea and CPAP Provision , which you can find by clicking here. 

This is an interim statement of policy designed to assist both commissioners and providers to implement the NICE recommendations within an overall service for OSAHS. It has been endorsed by the patient support organisation (the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association)  and the General Practice Airways Group (GPIAG) of primary care health professionals.

BTS has issued a press release, a related fact sheet and a patient information leaflet.

Download the press release here

Download the fact sheet here

Download the patient information leaflet here

Education

 

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