Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and its consequences for road safety

Conference Report: Road Safety Forum Best of the Best Conference – 17th June, BT HQ London
19/06/2005

Awake was invited to give a presentation at the Annual Brake Road Safety Forum “Best of the Best” conference in London. Our scientists spoke on the subject of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, a medical condition that causes the sufferer to stop breathing many times each night with potentially devastating health consequences. Awake presenters showed video footage of a sufferer to highlight the characteristic pattern of breathing and choking that occurs during sleep. They then talked about the diagnosis and treatment options, emphasising the need for impartial advice delivered face-to-face by those with sleep disorders experience.

“We are aware that organisations are being offered a free diagnostic screening service by companies who sell the equipment used to treat the condition. We strongly disagree with this practice, which would be unacceptable in USA and Australia. Whilst it might seem an attractive cost-cutting measure in the short term, there is often little or no one-to-one consultation with the patient, no individual fitting of the equipment and the patient is forced to use one particular set of equipment. This is likely to lead to high drop-out rates and ultimately a failure to treat the problem.”

It is essential that a patient receives personalised treatment and ongoing support. This can affect compliance, treatment efficacy, and possible side effects. Each patient should have access to the full range of available equipment, rather than being pressured to use a particular manufacturer’s fittings.

Awake can be contacted on +44 (0) 8450 77 00 38.