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Information on OSA

I Need My Sleep - What is Sleep Apnoea?

» Respiratory arrest known as sleep apnoea
   » How do I know if it’s sleep apnoea?
   » In their own words
   » What is sleep apnoea?
   » What are the consequences of my sleep apnoea?

» Sleep apnoea syndrome diagnosis
   » How will my sleep be examined?
   » What happens while I’m asleep?

» Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
   » What treatment choices are there? 

» Questions and Answers, Tips and Tricks
   » Patients tell of their experiences
   » What should I pay attention to?
   » How should I handle the technology?
   » Answers to my questions

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Respiratory arrest is called apnoea.  Sleep apnoea means that respiratory arrest occurs while you sleep.  Doctors distinguish between two forms of sleep apnoea – central and obstructive – although a mixed form can also occur. 

In ‘obstructive sleep apnoea’, respiratory arrest is caused by so-called ‘obstructions’ or the closing of the upper airways.  While you sleep, the body’s musculature, including pharyngeal muscles and soft palate, relax and the base of the tongue falls backwards, closing off the upper airways.

The brain, however, continues to send signals to our most important inhalation muscle, the diaphragm, and tells it to continue working.  This gives rise to negative pressure in the airways, which causes them to narrow and then close off completely.

respiratory arrest


Five to 10 respiratory arrests (apnoea), each lasting more than 10 seconds, for every hour of sleep can put the body under dangerous strain.  In this case, the body does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen.  The organism frees itself from respiratory arrest by sending an alarm to the brain.  Doctors refer to this emergency waking reaction as ‘arousal’.

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For decades Weinmann has been developing, producing and marketing medical devices for markets around the world. In cooperation with our partners Weinmann design economic health systems
for diagnosis and therapy in Sleep Medicine, Home Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

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