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So You Did a Sleep Study and You've Been Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea — What Now?

May 30, 2025

Learning you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be unexpected — but it can also be a turning point. If you’ve been feeling constantly tired, waking up unrefreshed, or your partner has noticed snoring or gasping at night, a diagnosis can bring clarity and relief. It means there’s finally an explanation, and more importantly, a solution.

So, what is OSA?

OSA is a common sleep disorder that affects 1 in 5 Australians, where your airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing.1 These pauses can last for 10 seconds or more and happen dozens — even hundreds — of times each night. This constant interruption fragments your sleep, reducing its quality and leaving you feeling exhausted the next day.

Common nighttime symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and broken and restless sleep. During the day, you may experience morning headaches, dry mouth on waking, daytime tiredness or sleepiness, poor concentration or memory, and mood swings and irritability.

Why does it matter?

Untreated OSA doesn’t just make you tired — it increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.2,3 It’s also linked to a higher risk of accidents at work or while driving.4 But the good news is that OSA is treatable — and the most effective option is CPAP therapy.5

CPAP: What is it and how does it work?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is considered the gold standard treatment for OSA.5 It works by gently blowing a constant stream of air through a mask, which keeps your airway open throughout the night so you can breathe normally.

While the idea of sleeping with a mask may feel unfamiliar at first, many people quickly adjust and come to appreciate the restful sleep it brings. Any initial discomfort like dryness, or getting used to the mask can usually be eased with simple adjustments, such as using a humidifier, or switching to a more comfortable, low-profile option like a nasal mask.

Choosing the right machine

There are several types of CPAP machines available:

  • APAP (Auto-adjusting CPAP): Changes pressure throughout the night based on your breathing.
  • Fixed Pressure CPAP: Delivers one consistent pressure all night.
  • BiPAP: Offers two pressures — higher for inhaling and lower for exhaling — ideal for more complex needs.

A top choice for many is the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet — lightweight, compact, and full of user-friendly features.6 For travellers, the ResMed AirMini is a game changer. Weighing just 300g, it’s the world’s smallest CPAP machine, making it easy to stay on track with your therapy wherever you go.7

More than just a machine: A complete care program

At SOVE CPAP Clinic, when you get a CPAP machine, you’re not just buying a device — you’ll receive continuous clinical support. We offer flexible payment plans starting from as little as $25 per fortnight, making therapy more accessible.

Research shows that people who receive ongoing specialist care and regular follow-ups use their machines more consistently and experience better health outcomes.8

How SOVE CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, SOVE CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

  1. Soenen, Stijn, et al. “Sleep Health Primary Care Clinical Resource.” Australian Journal of General Practice, vol. 53, no. 6, 1 June 2024, pp. 349–355, https://doi.org/10.31128/ajgp-03-23-6779.
  2. Alterki, Abdulmohsen, et al. “Investigating the Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Inflammation and Cardio-Metabolic Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 7, 2023, p. 6807, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076807.
  3. Li, Min, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Metabolic Diseases.” Endocrinology, vol. 159, no. 7, 2018, pp. 2670–2675, https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2018-00248.
  4. Terán-Santos, J., et al. “The Association between Sleep Apnea and the Risk of Traffic Accidents.” NEJM, vol. 340, no. 11, 1999, pp. 847–851, https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199903183401104.
  5. Andrade, Rafaela G. S., et al. “Nasal vs Oronasal CPAP for OSA Treatment: A Meta-Analysis.” Chest, vol. 153, no. 3, 2018, pp. 665–674, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.10.044.
  6. “Sove CPAP Clinic.” Thecpapclinic.com.au, 2025, www.thecpapclinic.com.au/products/resmed-airsense-11.
  7. “Sove CPAP Clinic.” Thecpapclinic.com.au, 2025, www.thecpapclinic.com.au/travel-machines.
  8. Wickwire, Emerson M., et al. “Maximizing Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Adults.” Chest, vol. 144, no. 2, 2013, pp. 680–693, https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.12-2681.