Question

A 49-year-old man with obesity and long-standing hypertension presents with daytime somnolence, loud snoring and witnessed apnoeas. Overnight polysomnography confirms moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. According to Australian sleep medicine practice, what is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic moderate obstructive sleep apnoea in such a patient?

Accepted Answer

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy during sleep

Answer

No treatment is required unless apnoea becomes severe

Answer

Sedative-hypnotic medication at night to improve sleep continuity

Answer

Surgical removal of the soft palate as first-line therapy

Answer

Long-term oxygen therapy alone without positive pressure

Practice question