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Snoring and sleep apnoea affect millions of adults in the UK (as well as their partners)! There a wide variety of causes such as weak muscles in the airways, a soft palate and nasal polyps, together with more simple reasons such as nasal congestion and sleeping positions.

Our service
Holly House is pleased to offer a multi-disciplinary snoring assessment and treatment clinic, managed by consultant surgeons, physicians and a specialist nurse in order to identify individual causes of snoring or sleep apnoea. 

Your initial assessment at the Hospital will be by a specialist nurse involving a discussion and questionnaire to give you what is known as an Epworth score.  You will then undergo an overnight computerised study, called pulse oximetry, to monitor your oxygen levels during sleep.  Our nurse will explain how to use the system and you will take it home with you to use for one night.

A Consultant Chest Physician will then review your results and may refer you to see a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, an Orthodontist and/or or a Consultant Chest Physician, depending on the most likely causes of your snoring or sleep apnoea. Alternatively, you may be referred for a more comprehensive computerised sleep study.

Treatments
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a new treatment that delivers a set amount of pressurised air through a mask during sleep.  It is the most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnoea in adults.  CPAP treatment can improve mood, memory and concentration, resulting in better work performance.   A respiratory nurse specialist will teach you how to use the apparatus and support and monitor you at regular follow-up appointments.

However, your consultant may recommend one of a number of treatments specific to you, such as a minor operation to harden the muscles at the back of the airways.  

Next steps
You don’t need to be referred to our snoring clinic, simply call 020 8936 1201 to for more information or to arrange an appointment.