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Warning-sign checks

Sleep apnea: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if someone:

    • Has severe difficulty breathing while awake
    • Develops blue or grey lips or skin
    • Cannot be woken normally
    • Has new chest pain, one-sided weakness, or difficulty speaking
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you are falling asleep during conversations, at work, or while driving, or if you have had a near-miss accident.

    Do not drive when you feel unable to stay alert.

    These are not typical routine sleep apnea symptoms and may indicate another urgent medical problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you or someone close to you notices repeated breathing pauses, choking, loud snoring, or persistent daytime sleepiness.

    You should also seek assessment for morning headaches, poor concentration, or sleep that remains unrefreshing despite enough time in bed.

The article also says

Contact your sleep service routinely if your mask is painful, your device is difficult to use, or symptoms return.

These problems often need practical adjustments rather than stopping treatment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sleep apnea. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.