Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment Calculator

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Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment Calculator

Assess your risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using the validated STOP-BANG questionnaire. Answer all 8 questions to calculate your risk level.

The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that evaluates eight risk factors. Each “Yes” answer contributes 1 point to your total score.

Score Interpretation:

  • 0-2: Low risk of OSA
  • 3-4: Intermediate risk of OSA
  • 5-8: High risk of OSA

Note: This is a screening tool only and not a medical diagnosis. Consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

STOP Questions

BANG Questions

BMI = weight(kg) / [height(m)]²

Sleep Apnea Facts & Information

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide, with many cases remaining undiagnosed.
  • Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, each typically lasting 10-30 seconds.
  • Untreated sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
  • Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, including children, though it’s more common in adults over 40.
  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is one of the most effective treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
  • Other treatment options include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions depending on the cause and severity.
  • Sleep apnea can significantly impact quality of life, affecting work performance, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
  • Certain medications and alcohol can worsen sleep apnea symptoms by relaxing throat muscles.
  • The STOP-BANG questionnaire has been validated in numerous clinical studies as an effective screening tool for OSA.

OSA Risk Factors

Risk Factor Description
Excess Weight Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
Neck Circumference A thicker neck may have narrower airways. Men with necks >17 inches and women with necks >16 inches have higher risk.
Male Gender Men are 2-3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
Age Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in adults over 50.
Family History Having family members with sleep apnea increases your risk.
Alcohol & Sedatives These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstruction.
Smoking Smokers are three times more likely to have OSA than non-smokers.
Nasal Congestion Difficulty breathing through the nose can contribute to OSA.
Medical Conditions Conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and hormonal disorders increase risk.
Anatomical Features Narrow airway, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a recessed chin, or a large overbite can contribute to OSA.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

  • CPAP Therapy: A machine delivers air pressure through a mask to keep upper airway passages open during sleep.
  • BiPAP Therapy: Similar to CPAP but provides two different air pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation.
  • Oral Appliances: Devices that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help maintain an open airway.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, and changing sleep positions.
  • Positional Therapy: Using devices that help you sleep in positions that prevent airway collapse.
  • Surgical Options: Various procedures can remove tissue, reposition the jaw, or create a new air passageway.
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: An implanted device that stimulates the nerve controlling tongue movement to keep the airway open.
  • Inspire Therapy: A surgically implanted system that monitors breathing patterns and stimulates airway muscles.
  • Combination Therapy: Many patients benefit from a combination of treatments tailored to their specific needs.
  • Emerging Treatments: Research continues on new medications and less invasive treatments for OSA.

This calculator is based on the STOP-BANG Questionnaire developed by Dr. Frances Chung and colleagues. This tool is for screening purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.