You could be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if you are a man with a neck size of 17 inches or more or a woman with a neck size of 16 inches or more. OSA, the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs when your throat relaxes while you sleep and your airway becomes partially or fully blocked.
Do patients with obstructive sleep apnea have thick necks?
These techniques have shown that patients with OSA have de- creased cross-sectional area and increased compliance of their upper airways. In ad- dition, based on a subjectiveobservation, it appears that these patients have short and fat necks (5), that are out of propor- tion to their obesity.
What does a large neck indicate?
A wide neck circumference is associated with obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes and hypertension, according to research. Neck circumference has been explored in studies for potential obesity and heart problems in adults.6 Jul 2010
Why does a sleep doctor measure your neck?
Sleep physicians will often measure neck circumference since it can be as useful as height and weight to determine your risk of having breathing problems during sleep. In the right context of symptoms and other signs, it may be additional evidence suggesting the need for further evaluation.3 Aug 2020
What is a normal neck size for a woman?
The average NC was 36.9 cm, 39.7 cm and 42.1 cm for normal-weight, overweight and obese men, and 34.1 cm, 36.1 cm and 38.5 cm for women in the corresponding groups. Normal-weight, overweight and obese men had an average WC of 84.1 cm, 93.9 cm and 103.4 cm.15 Oct 2015
Is a 17.5 inch neck big?
What is average neck size for a man?
about 15 inches
Do people with sleep apnea have large necks?
There are many factors that can put you at risk for sleep apnea, and a larger neck size is one of them. You could be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if you are a man with a neck size of 17 inches or more or a woman with a neck size of 16 inches or more.
What does a thick neck mean medically?
If you have a thick neck, you may have more narrow airways in the throat. This can increase your risk of sleep apnea. According to this 2010 study, larger neck circumferences are associated with increased cardiometabolic risks. This research indicates that upper-body fat may be a unique pathogenic fat depot.
What are the hallmark signs of obstructive sleep apnea?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Loud snoring.
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Morning headache.
- Difficulty concentrating during the day.
What is neck measurement?
Place the measuring tape around the neck at the height where the collar would normally rest - just below your Adam's apple. Do not crane your neck out or squeeze your chin down. The tape should be resting lightly on the skin, not squeezing it. Hold one finger under the tape measure to ensure some room for comfort.14 Jun 2019
What does neck circumference mean?
This circumference is measured at mid-neck, between the midcervical spine and the midanterior neck, on subjects standing upright and facing forwards, with shoulders relaxed. In men with a laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), it must be measured just below the prominence [38].