Clearing up the facts on obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterised by repetitive partial or complete airway obstruction.¹ Congestion associated with allergic rhinitis has been shown to be associated with increased risk of sleep disordered breathing.² With allergy season in full swing and with the associated seasonal spike in allergic rhinitis cases, it is important to understand the facts around OSA to help your patients achieve a better night’s sleep.

The prevalence and burden of OSA is high in Australia¹

OSA impacts approximately 780,000 Australians over the age of 15 years with the prevalence peaking between the ages of 45 and 75 years.¹ This condition places a significant burden on patient quality of life and has been associated with increased risk of:¹

Mental Symptoms

Daytime sleepiness
Depression

Cardiovascular Conditions

Chronic heart failure
Coronary artery disease
Stroke

Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents
Workplace injuries

OSA also places a significant annual economic burden ($522 million between 2019 and 2020) on the healthcare system.¹

Nasal congestion plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of OSA

Nasal congestion can be exacerbated by nasal inflammation and infection caused by allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory infection.² A recent study demonstrated that people experiencing nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis are 1.8 times more likely to suffer from moderate-to-severe sleep disordered breathing than those without nasal congestion.²

Continuous positive airway pressure is the standard treatment intervention into OSA³

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the gold standard treatment in OSA.³ CPAP acts as a non-invasive splint of the airway by applying positive internal pressure and preventing pharyngeal collapse.³ CPAP can reduce symptom burden, increase quality of life and reduce the risk of clinical complications associated with OSA.^3,4

However, nasal adverse events are commonly experienced by patients administered CPAP.³ These adverse events include:^3,4

Nasal dryness
Nasal and sinus congestion
Rhinorrhoea
Inflammation
Ciliary dysfunction

The FESS® range of non-medicated nasal products may help reduce nasal congestion and manage side effects of CPAP

The Fess® range of non-medicated nasal sprays, washes, gels, and dry nose oils offer symptom relief for patients suffering from nasal and sinus congestion and/or nasal dryness and irritation.

Think FESS® first for the relief of nasal congestion to help your patients sleep easier.

FESS® nasal sprays, mists, and washes thin, loosen, and clear mucus from the nasal passage to help relieve nasal and sinus congestion

A gentle, non-greasy formulation, FESS® Nasal Gel contains vitamin E, olive oil, and sesame seed oil to help soothe, moisturise, and relieve dry, chafed, and inflamed noses.

FESS® Dry Nose Oil Spray contains sesame oil, eucalyptus, and menthol to help lubricate dry nasal tissue and reduce nasal irritation and itching.

Did you know?

A recent study demonstrated that nasal saline irrigation resolved symptoms of sleep disordered breathing in 41% of children aged 3–12 years.⁵

FESS® is a proud partner of the Sleep Health Foundation, as part of our commitment to helping patients sleep easier.

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Abbreviations: CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; OSA, obstructive sleep apnoea.

References: 1. Deloitte Access Economics (Deloitte) 2021. Rise and try to shine: the social and economic cost of sleep disorders in Australia. Blacktown, New South Wales: Sleep Health Foundation. 2. Kohler M, et al. Eur Respir J. 2007;30(6):1208–15. 3. Ghadiri M, et al. Respirology. 2020;25(6):593–602. 4. Koutsourelakis I, et al. Eur Respir J. 2011;37(3):587–94. 5. Baker A, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(3):240–247.

This information is intended for use by healthcare professionals only.