The New England Journal of Medicine has published the following screening test to help physicians determine whether to refer a patient for a sleep study. Neck size is a very important number to consider. With a neck size of 17, a man's probability for obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases. For women, a neck size of 16 is of concern. For example, using the formula below, a man with a neck size of 17 inches who also has high blood pressure and snores is at a high risk of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). (17 x 2.5 = 42.5 + 4 + 3 = 49.9)

Neck size in inches* (form will multiply by 2.5 to get centimeters)
High blood pressure
Snoring
Gasping or choking in sleep
Total Score:

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• Less than 43 = Low
• 44-49 = Moderate
• More than 49 = High

One problem with this screening formula is neck size. There are a number of slender people with sleep apnea that would go undetected with this formula. In addition, this formula's reliance on neck size makes it more difficult to detect women due to their smaller neck size.