Evaluating Accuracy of Breath Sound Recordings and STOP-Bang Screening For Obstructive Sleep Apnea While Awake

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder with numerous health effects including a greater risk of peri-operative anesthetic complications. Numerous screening tools exist but are not without limitations. Diagnostic overnight sleep studies are resource-intensive and difficult to obtain in the short time period between pre-operative clinic assessment and the day of surgery.

This project aims to test the diagnostic performance of a new screening technology, Awake-OSA, for screening of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "Awake-OSA" uses a small external microphone placed on the neck, to record and analyze tracheal breath sounds at the bedside while the patient is awake.

Using polysomnography (PSG) as a gold standard, the investigators will compare Awake-OSA (breath sound recording) and the STOP-Bang screening questionnaire in their ability to accurately identify patients with OSA, as well as classify OSA in terms of severity.

Early, point-of-care diagnosis has the potential to provide a low-cost, convenient alternative to traditional screening questionnaires and enable more selective use of PSG. Our goal is to improve peri-operative patient safety while improving use of resources and streamlining patient care.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years and older.
• Referred for diagnostic sleep study.
• Willing and able to consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Under the age of 18 yrs.
• Unwilling or unable to give consent.
• Expected to have an abnormal EEG (epilepsy, brain tumour, deep brain stimulator).
• Significant craniofacial abnormality (ex. unrepaired cleft lip/palate).