Sleep apnea (specifically Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA) is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The airway becomes blocked, causing oxygen levels to drop and forcing brief awakenings (often unnoticed). Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. Untreated OSA increases risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents.

What is the STOP-BANG questionnaire?

STOP-BANG is a medically validated 8-question screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea. It assesses: Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, blood Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender. Scores range 0-8, with scores ≥3 indicating moderate-high OSA risk. It has 93% sensitivity for moderate-severe OSA and is used globally by sleep specialists.

What STOP-BANG score is dangerous?

Scores of 5-8 indicate HIGH risk (60-80% probability of moderate-severe OSA). Scores of 3-4 indicate MEDIUM risk (30-50% probability). Even medium risk warrants medical evaluation. High-risk individuals should see a sleep specialist immediately, as untreated severe OSA increases mortality risk by 3-4x.

Can sleep apnea be cured?

Sleep apnea is treatable but rarely 'cured.' CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is 95% effective at eliminating apnea events. Weight loss can cure OSA in 20-30% of cases if obesity is the primary cause. Other treatments: oral appliances, positional therapy, surgery (UPPP, jaw advancement), and lifestyle changes. Treatment is lifelong for most patients.

Do I need a sleep study?

If your STOP-BANG score is ≥3, yes. Sleep studies (polysomnography) measure apnea events, oxygen drops, sleep stages, and heart rate. Home sleep tests (HST) are cheaper but less comprehensive. In-lab polysomnography is gold standard. Insurance typically covers studies for STOP-BANG ≥3 or obvious symptoms.

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Sleep Apnea Risk Calculator

Free medical-grade STOP-BANG questionnaire to assess your risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Get instant risk score with doctor-validated screening tool used by sleep specialists worldwide.

Clinically Validated STOP-BANG

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a sleep study (polysomnography) can definitively diagnose sleep apnea. Consult a sleep specialist if you score ≥3 points. This tool should not replace professional medical advice.

STOP Questions

Answer these 4 symptom-based questions

S – Do you SNORE loudly? (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)

T – Do you often feel TIRED, FATIGUED, or sleepy during the daytime?

O – Has anyone OBSERVED you stop breathing or gasping/choking during sleep?

P – Do you have or are you being treated for high blood PRESSURE?

BANG Measurements

Enter your physical measurements

Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Neck Circumference (cm)

💡 Measure at Adam’s apple level

Age (years)

Gender

STOP-BANG Score

5 / 8

HIGH RISK

65% OSA Probability

Moderate Likely Severity

Urgent Action Level

Your Risk Assessment

Based on your STOP-BANG score, you have a high probability of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Medical evaluation is strongly recommended.

📋 Recommended Actions

Schedule appointment with sleep specialist or pulmonologist immediately
Request sleep study (polysomnography) or home sleep test
Document symptoms: snoring frequency, daytime sleepiness, witnessed apneas
Avoid driving when excessively sleepy (accident risk 2-7x higher)

Understanding Sleep Apnea & STOP-BANG

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious disorder where your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, blocking oxygen flow. You briefly wake (often unknowingly) to restart breathing, fragmenting sleep quality and causing dangerous oxygen drops.

What is STOP-BANG?

STOP-BANG is a medically validated 8-point questionnaire used globally by sleep specialists. It has 93% sensitivity for detecting moderate-severe OSA and 100% sensitivity for severe OSA.

S – Snoring (loud, disruptive)
T – Tiredness (excessive daytime sleepiness)
O – Observed apnea (witnessed breathing pauses)
P – Pressure (high blood pressure)
B – BMI >35 kg/m² (obesity)
A – Age >50 years
N – Neck circumference >40cm (men), >38cm (women)
G – Gender (male = higher risk)

Risk Stratification

Low Risk (0-2 points): 15-20% OSA probability
Medium Risk (3-4 points): 30-50% probability
High Risk (5-8 points): 60-80% probability of moderate-severe OSA

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Nighttime: Loud snoring, gasping/choking, frequent urination, night sweats
Daytime: Excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating
Mood: Irritability, depression, memory problems
Physical: Weight gain, erectile dysfunction (men), GERD

Health Consequences of Untreated OSA

Cardiovascular: 3x heart attack risk, 4x stroke risk, atrial fibrillation
Metabolic: Type 2 diabetes (50% of OSA patients), insulin resistance
Cognitive: Memory loss, 2x dementia risk, executive function decline
Accidents: 2-7x car accident risk, workplace injuries
Mortality: 3-4x sudden cardiac death during sleep

OSA Severity Classification

Mild: 5-14 apnea events per hour (AHI 5-14)
Moderate: 15-29 events per hour (AHI 15-29)
Severe: 30+ events per hour (AHI ≥30)

AHI = Apnea-Hypopnea Index, measured during sleep study

Diagnosis: Sleep Study

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard:

In-Lab PSG: Overnight in sleep lab, measures brain waves, oxygen, heart, breathing, movements. Most accurate.
Home Sleep Test (HST): Portable device, measures breathing and oxygen only. Less comprehensive but convenient.
Cost: In-lab $1000-3000, HST $150-500 (insurance often covers)

Treatment Options

CPAP Therapy (Gold Standard): 95% effective, continuous positive airway pressure keeps airway open. Used nightly.
Weight Loss: 10% weight loss reduces OSA severity by 30%. Can cure mild OSA in 20-30% if obesity-related.
Oral Appliances: Mandibular advancement device, 50-70% effective for mild-moderate OSA.
Positional Therapy: Avoid back sleeping (doubles apnea events). Side-sleeping devices.
Surgery: UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), jaw advancement (MMA), hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire).
Lifestyle: Avoid alcohol 4h before bed, quit smoking, treat allergies/congestion.

CPAP Success Tips

Try multiple mask styles (nasal, full-face, nasal pillows)
Use heated humidifier to prevent dry mouth
Ramp feature slowly increases pressure as you fall asleep
Clean equipment weekly (mask, tubing, water chamber)
80% compliance first month predicts long-term success

Risk Factors You Can Control

Obesity: #1 modifiable risk factor. 10% weight loss = 30% severity reduction.
Alcohol: Relaxes throat muscles. Avoid 4+ hours before bed.
Smoking: Increases inflammation/swelling. 3x OSA risk.
Sedatives: Sleeping pills worsen OSA. Avoid benzos, muscle relaxants.
Sleep Position: Back sleeping doubles events. Use positional trainer.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

STOP-BANG score ≥5 (high risk)
Witnessed apneas (breathing stops >10 seconds)
Severe daytime sleepiness (falling asleep driving, meetings)
Morning chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Oxygen saturation <90% (if measured)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this calculator a diagnosis?

No. STOP-BANG is a screening tool with 93% accuracy for detecting moderate-severe OSA. Only a sleep study (polysomnography) can diagnose sleep apnea. However, scores ≥3 strongly indicate you should see a sleep specialist.

What if I score high risk?

High risk (5-8 points) means 60-80% probability of moderate-severe OSA. Schedule sleep specialist appointment within 1-2 weeks. Request sleep study. Document symptoms. Avoid driving when excessively sleepy (2-7x accident risk).

Can I have sleep apnea without snoring?

Yes, 10-20% of OSA patients don’t snore loudly. Other symptoms: witnessed apneas, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, concentration problems. STOP-BANG accounts for multiple symptoms beyond snoring.

Will I need CPAP forever?

Most likely yes, unless you eliminate root cause (e.g., lose 50+ lbs, resolve anatomical obstruction via surgery). CPAP is highly effective (95%) but requires nightly use. Alternative: oral appliances (50-70% effective) or surgery in select cases.

How accurate is STOP-BANG?

93% sensitive for moderate-severe OSA, 100% sensitive for severe OSA. However, 45-50% false positive rate (scores high but no OSA). That’s why sleep study confirmation is required. STOP-BANG identifies who needs testing, not who has OSA.

Does insurance cover sleep studies?

Most insurance covers sleep studies with STOP-BANG ≥3 or documented symptoms. In-lab PSG: $1000-3000 (typically $100-500 after insurance). Home sleep test: $150-500 ($0-100 after insurance). Check coverage before scheduling.

What if I can’t tolerate CPAP?

80% adapt within 1 month with proper mask fitting and settings. Try: different mask styles, heated humidifier, pressure ramp, chin strap. If still intolerable: oral appliances, positional therapy, weight loss, or surgery (Inspire, MMA).

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, 1-5% of children have OSA. Primary cause: enlarged tonsils/adenoids (surgery usually curative). Symptoms: snoring, mouth breathing, bed-wetting, ADHD-like behavior, poor growth. STOP-BANG is for adults only—see pediatric ENT.

Is central sleep apnea different?

Yes. Obstructive (OSA): Airway blockage. Central (CSA): Brain doesn’t signal breathing. OSA is 84% of cases. CSA linked to heart failure, stroke, opioids. STOP-BANG screens OSA only. CSA diagnosed via sleep study.

How long until CPAP works?

Immediate improvement in oxygen levels and apnea events. Subjective benefits: 1-2 weeks for energy, 2-4 weeks for cognitive improvement, 1-3 months for blood pressure/mood. Cardiovascular risk reduction continues over years.

📋 STOP Questions

📊 BANG Measurements

📝 Your Risk Assessment