Sleep apnoea testing & treatment
Sleep apnoea diagnosis and treatment near Durban.
If you snore loudly, stop breathing in your sleep, or feel exhausted no matter how long you sleep, you may have obstructive sleep apnoea. The EEG & Snoring Clinic offers the full diagnostic pathway — from home testing to in-lab polysomnography and CPAP therapy — at Hibiscus Private Hospital in Port Shepstone.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep, partially or completely blocking the upper airway. Breathing repeatedly pauses — sometimes hundreds of times per night — causing oxygen levels to drop and constantly fragmenting sleep.
OSA is one of the most prevalent and most under-diagnosed conditions in South Africa. Left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and road accidents caused by daytime sleepiness.
The good news: once correctly diagnosed, OSA is highly treatable. CPAP therapy resolves symptoms in the vast majority of patients from the very first night of use.
Common symptoms
- Loud or disruptive snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration or memory
- Irritability or mood changes
- Frequent nighttime urination
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Our tests & treatments
From screening to therapy, under one roof.
We offer every step of the sleep apnoea pathway — so you never need to be referred elsewhere for the basics.
Home Sleep Apnoea Test (HSAT)
A portable, overnight device worn at home that measures oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and heart rate. Ideal for patients with a high probability of moderate-to-severe OSA.
Polysomnography (PSG)
The gold-standard overnight in-lab sleep study conducted at Hibiscus Private Hospital. Measures brain activity, eye movement, muscle tone, airflow, oxygen saturation, and chest/abdominal effort.
CPAP Titration Study
Once OSA is confirmed, a CPAP titration study determines your optimal therapy pressure. Performed in-lab so our team can monitor your response in real time.
BiPAP Therapy Assessment
For patients who need different pressures on inhalation and exhalation, or who have complex sleep-disordered breathing, BiPAP is trialled and titrated under specialist supervision.
Frequently asked questions
What patients ask us most
Do I need a referral to book a sleep apnoea test?
A GP or specialist referral is recommended and helps with medical aid claims, but you can also self-refer. Contact us and we will guide you through the process.
How long does a sleep study take?
An overnight in-lab study runs from approximately 21:00 to 06:00. You are welcome to bring your own pillow and sleep as you normally would.
When will I get my results?
Your specialist-scored report is typically available within 5–7 business days, after which a follow-up consultation is scheduled to discuss findings and treatment.
Is sleep apnoea testing covered by medical aid?
Most major South African medical aids cover PSG and HSAT when there is clinical indication. We recommend pre-authorisation — our team can assist with the paperwork.
Think you might have sleep apnoea?
Don't wait. Contact us to book a consultation or sleep study. We accept most major medical aids and can assist with pre-authorisation.