The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

For many Australians, the peace and quiet of nighttime is regularly broken by snoring – their own or their partner’s. Snoring is common and often regarded as a harmless annoyance or an inevitable part of ageing. But for some, it can be a sign of something more serious.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, forcing the body to briefly wake up in order to breathe. These interruptions can occur dozens, even hundreds, of times a night. Over time, this limits oxygen flow to the brain, strains the cardiovascular system, disrupts metabolism, and significantly degrades sleep quality. Many people with untreated OSA wake feeling “hung over” despite a full night in bed. Daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety, depression, and personality changes are all commonly associated with ongoing sleep disruption.

OSA can occur at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged men and strongly associated with excess weight, especially in people with a larger neck circumference. In those who are not overweight, a naturally narrow airway or facial structure may be the primary cause. Among women, the incidence of OSA increases after menopause. In children, the most common contributors are obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or specific craniofacial features. In some ethnic groups, especially with Asian populations, facial structure plays a larger role than weight.

Because OSA has a wide range of causes, treatment must be tailored to a person’s symptoms, anatomy, health needs, and preferences. Choosing the right approach is essential for long-term success, and the sleep specialists at the Woolcock Clinic will guide you toward the most effective and sustainable solution for your sleep health. Broadly, treatments fall into four major categories:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
• Oral appliances
• Sleep surgery
• Lifestyle changes, including weight loss

CPAP

CPAP is the most common, safe, and effective treatment for OSA. It works by delivering gently pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. The system consists of a compact electric pump, tubing, and a facial or nasal mask.

The key to success with CPAP is consistent use, but adjusting to the equipment can take time. Many challenges improve naturally as people become familiar with sleeping in a mask, while others require guidance. At the Woolcock Therapy Centre, highly experienced therapists work closely with sleep and respiratory specialists to support you through every stage of treatment. They help you select a comfortable and well-fitting mask, adjust your pressure settings, teach you how to clean and maintain your equipment, and provide a four-week home trial with follow-up appointments. At the end of the trial, you can purchase your CPAP machine from us. Ongoing support ensures that issues are addressed quickly so that CPAP becomes a manageable and effective part of your routine.

ORAL APPLIANCES

Mandibular Advancement Splints or Devices (MAS/MAD) are another option for some people. Worn inside the mouth during sleep, these devices advance the lower jaw to reduce airway collapse. Many patients find them easier to use than CPAP, and compliance rates are generally high. Research shows these devices can offer cardiovascular benefits comparable to CPAP.

Oral appliances work best for those with mild to moderate OSA, positional OSA, and people within a non-obese weight range. Younger women with smaller neck circumference and individuals with a short, square facial profile may also respond well. Most devices require a brief adjustment period, during which temporary side effects such as salivation changes, dry mouth, or jaw stiffness may occur. These usually ease within hours of waking and lessen over time. Annual reviews are important to monitor bite changes or jaw joint function, with exercises or bite templates provided if needed.

SLEEP SURGERY

Surgery is generally considered when other treatments have not been effective. It aims to widen and stabilise the airway and may involve multiple sites. Multi-level surgery can produce quality-of-life improvements similar to CPAP for selected patients. Nasal surgery may help patients better tolerate CPAP or reduce snoring. In some adults, removal of tonsils and adenoids can significantly reduce OSA severity. Other procedures include modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (modUPPP), tongue-base reduction, lingual tonsillectomy, transpalatal advancement, and various jaw surgery. The choice of surgery depends on anatomy, symptom severity and expected benefit.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes remain one of the most effective ways to reduce OSA severity. Even modest weight loss can meaningfully improve airway stability, sleep quality, and daytime alertness. Recent research into GLP-1 medications has further highlighted the importance of weight management. A global clinical trial led by the Woolcock’s Sleep and Circadian Research group led to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) receiving TGA approval for moderate to severe OSA in people with obesity. While these medications can be helpful, they are most effective when paired with a structured, personalised diet and exercise plan for weight reduction.

At the Woolcock Clinic, our weight-loss services support you at every stage: initiating lifestyle changes, achieving steady and sustainable weight loss, maintaining progress, and building long-term habits that contribute not only to improved sleep but to better overall health.

Find out more

• OSA
• CPAP
• Oral Appliances for Sleep Conditions
• Sleep Surgery in Adults
• Weight loss services at the Woolcock Clinic
• Our Experts in the Woolcock Clinic