Table 3.

Characteristics of older adults with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Typical presentations (i.e. overweight male with loud snoring, nocturnal choking, nocturia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular consequences) do exist.

They are less likely to be men (particularly after menopause in women).

The association with obesity and neck circumference is present but less prominent, and snoring as a chief complaint is underreported.

There are decreased reports of excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Health consequences are rated differently for the same level of OSA (i.e. less debilitating), while cardiovascular consequences of OSA are less evident.

Atypical presentations like secondary enuresis and nocturia, cognitive impairment, ophthalmic conditions and repeated falls are common.