Diagnostic protocols in Spain utilize respiratory polygraphy as a primary screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea. Specialists at JCI-accredited centers like Centro Medico Teknon also employ nocturnal polysomnography. Clinical evaluation follows the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) to determine severity through standardized hospital units.
- Initial screening: Doctors apply the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-Bang questionnaire for risk assessment.
- Respiratory polygraphy: Home-based devices record airflow, oxygen saturation, and heart rate during sleep.
- Nocturnal polysomnography: Clinical units monitor brain activity and eye movements for complex diagnostic cases.
- Severity grading: AHI scores above 15 episodes per hour indicate moderate to severe apnea.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many patients start with general polygraphy, Spain's top specialists often integrate advanced ENT assessment early. For instance, Dr. O Connor Reina has pioneered myofunctional therapy and developed telemedicine apps to monitor respiratory disorders. Choosing a clinic like Quironsalud Marbella or ANDSURGEONS Clinic allows patients to access specialists who combine diagnostic data with innovative surgical solutions like soft palate implants and expansion pharyngoplasty.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that private home tests, often costing between €250 and €400, provide results much faster than public wait times. Many emphasize the importance of bringing a translator app to consultations, as instructions for home oximetry equipment are frequently provided only in Spanish.