S01E13 Hypopnea Scoring and OSA in Women

In this episode of PRISM Rounds, we review a 2025 open-access scoping review and commentary in Sleep Science and Practice examining how hypopnea scoring criteria—4% desaturation-only versus 3% desaturation or EEG arousal—can change the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and materially shift obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis in women. We walk through what the review found across eight studies, why women are disproportionately affected (phenotype, smaller desaturations, arousal-associated events, and symptom patterns), and what this means for real-world testing pathways (PSG vs HSAT) and access to therapy. Educational use only—this is not medical advice.TagsSleep medicine, Obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, Women’s health, Hypopnea, AHI, Polysomnography, PSG, Home sleep apnea testing, HSAT, AASM scoring, Health equity, Diagnosis, CPAP, Respiratory physiologySource (paper landing page): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41606-025-00150-x