Singapore Sleep Apnea Crisis: Verified Medical Statistics
Critical findings from Singapore's leading medical institutions reveal a hidden health emergency:
- 30.5% of Singaporeans have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- 91% of cases remain undiagnosed - representing over 1.8 million people
- Sleep apnea increases heart failure risk by 140%
- Stroke risk increases by 60% in untreated patients
- Only 13.8% of diagnosed patients maintain CPAP therapy after one year
Major Sleep Centers & Hospitals in Singapore
Singapore General Hospital Sleep Centre
Singapore's largest and most comprehensive sleep service - the only Australasian Sleep Association/National Association of Testing Authorities-accredited sleep service in Asia.
Services: Comprehensive sleep studies, CPAP education, multidisciplinary team including respiratory physicians, ENT surgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre
National medical centre of excellence for sleep disorders treatment operating at 6 clinical sites across Singapore.
Website: SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre
Research Focus: Leading international sleep medicine research and clinical trials.
Changi General Hospital - Department of Sleep Medicine
One of Singapore's largest sleep centres with integrated multidisciplinary care model.
Website: CGH Sleep Medicine
Specialties: ENT, Respiratory Medicine, Dental, Neurology, Psychological Medicine, Sports Medicine, Endocrinology, and Bariatric Surgery.
Sengkang General Hospital - Sleep Clinic
Website: SKH Sleep Clinic
Team: Multidisciplinary team of ENT surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists.
Mount Elizabeth Hospitals - Sleep Disorders
Website: Mount Elizabeth Sleep Disorders
Specialists: Experienced neurologists, respiratory specialists, and ENT specialists.
Leading ENT Sleep Specialists in Singapore
Dr Kenny Pang - Asia Sleep Centre
Credentials: MBBS, MRCS(Edinburgh), FRCS(Edinburgh), FRCS(Ireland)(OTO), Masters Medicine (ORL), FAMS (Singapore)
Experience: Over 30 years as ENT specialist and sleep medicine practitioner
Notable Achievements:
- Inventor of Pang's Expansion Pharyngoplasty surgery with 86% success rate
- Keynote speaker at 80+ international medical conferences
- Course director for international sleep surgery courses
- Author of multiple books on sleep disorders
Contact: (65) 6836 0060
Dr Han Hong Juan - ENT Voice & Snoring Clinic
Credentials: Gold Medal Prize winner in Otolaryngology (ENT)
Training: Subspecialty training in Sleep Medicine & Surgery at Stanford University and Oxford University
Current Position: Visiting Consultant at Department of Otolaryngology and Sleep Disorders Unit, Singapore General Hospital
Experience: Over 25 years treating comprehensive ENT conditions with sleep medicine focus
Dr Paul Mok - My ENT Specialist
Credentials: MOH-accredited ENT specialist
Experience: Over 20 years specializing in obstructive sleep apnea management
Training: Fellowship in Voice and Swallowing at Grabscheid Voice Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, USA (2000)
Achievement: Established Voice, Swallowing & Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (2002)
Dr Shaun Loh - ENT Voice & Snoring Clinic
Position: Senior Consultant ENT surgeon
Experience: Over 15 years treating comprehensive ENT conditions
Specialization: Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with focus on minimally invasive solutions
Advanced Procedures: Robotic surgery and hypoglossal nerve neurostimulator implants
Dr Lau Hung Tuan - My ENT Specialist
Training: International fellowship-trained ENT specialist
Specialization: Focus on snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment
Collaboration: Works alongside Dr Paul Mok for comprehensive OSA management
Sleep Medicine Physicians & Respiratory Specialists
Dr Marcus Sim - Changi General Hospital
Position: Associate Consultant Respiratory Physician
Affiliation: SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre
Specialization: Obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, chronic non-invasive ventilation
Dr K. Puvanendran - Singapore General Hospital (Pioneer)
Historical Significance: Pioneered Sleep Medicine in Singapore
Achievement: Established Singapore's first dedicated sleep laboratory in Ward 48, SGH (1987)
Legacy: Led multidisciplinary team that founded modern sleep medicine practice in Singapore
Professional Home Sleep Testing Services
Jo Ng, RPSGT - YesCPAP Singapore
Certification: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)
Licensing: HSA registered medical device provider
Recognition: Referral partner with NUH and Alexandra Hospital
Services:
- Professional home sleep testing using Nox T3 equipment
- CPAP therapy consultation and equipment provision
- Home-based CPAP setup and training
- Ongoing therapy support and optimization
Service Area: Singapore-wide home service
Certifications: RPSGT, HSA Licensed, GDPMDS Compliant
Treatment Options & Success Rates
CPAP Therapy Effectiveness (Evidence-Based)
- 80% success rate when patients use CPAP regularly with professional support
- 74.1% adherence rate achievable with proper education and follow-up (Singapore studies)
- 61% reduction in premature death risk for compliant users
- 77% reduction in heart failure risk with regular CPAP use
- 70% reduction in motor vehicle accident risk
Alternative Treatment Options
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD):
- Custom-fitted oral appliances for mild-moderate OSA
- Higher compliance rates than CPAP but lower effectiveness
- Require fitting by trained dental sleep medicine specialists
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HGNS):
- Surgical implant for CPAP-intolerant patients
- Available at Singapore General Hospital with good early results
- Strict eligibility criteria apply (BMI <32, moderate-severe OSA)
Positional Therapy:
- Effective for position-dependent sleep apnea
- Simple intervention encouraging side-sleeping
- Often combined with other treatments
When to Consult Sleep Specialists
Urgent Medical Consultation Required If You Experience:
- Witnessed breathing interruptions during sleep by family members
- Chronic loud snoring that disrupts household members nightly
- Excessive daytime fatigue despite 7-8 hours of sleep
- Morning headaches occurring 3+ times per week
- Unexplained high blood pressure without clear medical cause
- Difficulty concentrating affecting work performance significantly
- Mood changes including depression, irritability, or anxiety
- Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) disrupting sleep
Quick Reference: Singapore Sleep Medicine Contacts
Public Hospital Sleep Centers:
- Singapore General Hospital: 6326 6060
- Changi General Hospital: 6788 3003
- Sengkang General Hospital: 6930 6000
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital: 6692 2984
Private Sleep Specialists:
- Dr Kenny Pang (Asia Sleep Centre): 6836 0060
- Mount Elizabeth Orchard: 6250 0000
- Mount Elizabeth Novena: 6898 6898
Home Sleep Testing:
- YesCPAP (Jo Ng RPSGT): yescpap.com
Cost Information & Insurance Coverage
Estimated Costs (2025):
- Hospital Sleep Study: $800 - $1,500
- Home Sleep Test: $400 - $600
- CPAP Equipment: $1,200 - $2,500
- Specialist Consultation: $150 - $350
Medisave Coverage:
- Sleep studies may qualify for Medisave when medically necessary
- CPAP equipment may be eligible with specialist prescription
- Coverage varies by individual circumstances
- Verify eligibility directly with CPF: cpf.gov.sg
ā ļø Important Medical Disclaimer
This comprehensive directory is compiled for educational purposes only. Information about medical specialists and treatments should not replace professional medical consultation. Sleep disorders require proper evaluation and treatment by qualified healthcare professionals.
Accuracy Statement: All specialist credentials, hospital information, and medical statistics are verified from official sources as of 2025. However, medical practice details may change - always confirm current information directly with healthcare providers.
No Medical Advice: This directory does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult qualified sleep medicine specialists for individual medical concerns.
Coverage Verification: Insurance coverage and Medisave eligibility vary by individual circumstances. Verify directly with relevant authorities and healthcare providers.
Primary Sources & References:
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre Publications
- Singapore Sleep Epidemiology Study - PubMed
- Annals Singapore - Sleep Medicine Research
- Singapore General Hospital Sleep Centre
- Health Sciences Authority Singapore
Last updated: January 2025 | Compiled from verified medical sources and official hospital websites
