- Read how Shamrez’s loud snoring and fatigue were diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnoea.
- Understand how a rhinosinuplasty at Mount Elizabeth Orchard restored his breathing and sleep quality.
- Learn about how insurance coverage ensures a smooth, cashless process, allowing patients to focus solely on recovery.
Table of Contents
For years, Shamrez dismissed his loud snoring as nothing more than an annoyance for his wife. He brushed it off, attributing his daytime tiredness to immense work stress or the late-night videos he watched to unwind. But even after clocking a reasonable amount of sleep each night, he would still wake up feeling drained and unrested. That was when he realised something wasn’t right.
“I thought I was just not resting well enough,” he recalls.
But when full nights of sleep still left me exhausted, I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
Diagnosis: More Than Just Snoring
Shamrez first went to his primary GP, who referred him to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Lim Keng Hua, a doctor well-versed in treating snoring and sleep disorders. During the consultation, Dr Lim attempted to insert a nasal scope to examine Shamrez’s airways, but he couldn’t even get it through one side of the nose. The septum was so severely deviated that airflow was almost completely blocked on that side.
The verdict was clear: Shamrez had obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, which leads to reduced oxygen intake. Although obstructive sleep apnoea is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 30.5% of Singaporeans, many still choose to leave it untreated. Those affected often cite a lack of urgency for treatment, not understanding that untreated obstructive sleep apnoea has been linked to serious complications such as hypertension, stroke, and even heart problems.
The solution for Shamrez? A rhinosinuplasty. It is a type of functional nasal correction to surgically correct his deviated septum and reshape the nasal passages to restore proper airflow.
Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Orchard
After thorough medical documentation (which included numerous scopes and photographs) and insurer approval, Shamrez underwent the surgery at Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital. The operation was deemed medically necessary, and both his doctor and hospital’s business office ensured the insurance paperwork was carefully prepared, including internal photos to prove medical necessity.
The procedure went smoothly, but recovery was initially uncomfortable.
There was blood, swelling, and a lot of pressure in my nose
“I didn’t feel better right away, but I trusted the process.”
Different Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in Singapore
While surgery was the right solution for Shamrez, treatment for OSA varies depending on your severity and underlying cause. For a vast majority of patients, doctors may first recommend a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers steady airflow through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. CPAP is often prescribed when OSA is moderate to severe, especially when obesity or soft tissue collapse is the main issue.
For others, especially those with structural problems, like Shamrez with a severely deviated septum or nasal obstruction, surgical options like septoplasty, rhinosinuplasty, or more advanced airway surgeries may be recommended. Your doctor may also suggest some non-invasive options such as lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, positional therapy, or reducing alcohol intake, which have all been shown to improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea.
In all cases, the choice of treatment for you is based on careful evaluation by your sleep specialist or ENT doctor. What worked for Shamrez may not be suitable for you, but the key is early diagnosis and personalised management to restore safe, restful sleep.
Life After Surgery: Breathing Freely Again
- No more blocked nostrils or mouth breathing at night
- Deeper, uninterrupted sleep
- Increased energy and alertness during the day
- Improved stamina at the gym and during workouts
Honestly, I didn’t realise how badly I’d been living until I finally felt what normal breathing was like
“Better sleep has changed everything; my mood, my work focus, and my health.”
Insurance That Worked Seamlessly
One of the most reassuring parts of Shamrez’s journey was how smoothly his insurance worked in the background. His doctor’s office helped with documentation, and the hospital’s business office coordinated both his corporate insurance and Integrated Shield Plan.
The result? He didn’t have to make any upfront payments.
“It was such a relief,” Shamrez says. “Instead of stressing about the bills, I could just focus on getting through surgery and recovery.”
Key Learnings from Shamrez’s Experience
- Don’t ignore symptoms like snoring or fatigue, they can signal underlying medical conditions.
- Sleep studies can uncover hidden health issues before they cause long-term damage.
- Procedures like a rhinosinuplasty can be medically necessary, and insurance can cover them when backed by documentation.
- Corporate insurance and Integrated Shield Plans can complement each other, covering costs seamlessly.
- The right coverage means peace of mind, especially during surgery and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Breathing through both nostrils may seem like a small thing, but for Shamrez, it was life-changing. Today, he enjoys deeper sleep, higher energy, and the ability to exercise at his best, benefits that have improved both his health and quality of life.
Don’t take sleep problems lightly
“I’m glad I listened to my wife, checked my coverage, and got treated. Insurance gave me the freedom to focus on my health, not the bills.”
Not sure if you’re adequately protected?
Use our Coverage Checker to see what you’re covered for, and where the gaps might be, before an emergency strikes.
Key Insurance Types
Integrated Shield Plan: An Integrated Shield Plan covers inpatient treatment and hospitalisation costs.
Personal Accident Plan: A Personal Accident Plan covers accident-related expenses, including outpatient treatment.
Critical Illness Plan: A Critical Illness Plan provides a lump sum payout upon critical illness diagnosis, which can be used to cover non-insurable expenses like off-list drugs.
Know Your Coverage, Before You Need It
HealthInsured SG aims to help you understand the details of your health insurance policy. Being well-informed empowers you to focus on recovery, free from the added stress of financial burdens.
