STOP-BANG (OSA)
Calculate your STOP-BANG score to assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk. Free online OSA screening tool with 8 questionnaire items, instant scoring, and risk interpretation.
About This Calculator
The STOP-BANG score is a validated clinical screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), developed by Dr. Frances Chung and colleagues at the University of Toronto. It combines 8 yes-or-no questions covering the most important OSA risk factors to quickly identify individuals who may benefit from a formal sleep study.
Each of the 8 items — Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (hypertension), BMI > 35 kg/m², Age > 50, Neck circumference > 40 cm, and Gender (male) — scores 1 point. The total score ranges from 0 to 8, with higher scores indicating greater OSA risk. The screening tool is widely used in pre-operative anesthesia assessment, primary care, and sleep clinic referrals worldwide.
Regional Notes
India: OSA is increasingly recognized in the Indian population, with an estimated prevalence of 13-15%. Given the generally lower BMI in Asian populations, some Indian guidelines suggest lowering the BMI threshold to 30 kg/m² for more accurate screening. Major sleep centers are available at AIIMS (New Delhi), Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and NIMHANS (Bangalore). CPAP therapy costs in India range from ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 for devices, with monthly consumable costs of ₹500-2,000.
United States: The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a standard pre-operative screening tool recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). OSA affects an estimated 22 million Americans. CPAP therapy is covered by Medicare (Part B) and most private insurers. Sleep studies are conducted at accredited centers by board-certified sleep physicians.
United Kingdom: The NHS recommends STOP-BANG as a screening tool in primary care and pre-operative assessment. OSA affects approximately 4-5% of the UK population. Patients with a high STOP-BANG score can be referred through their GP to NHS sleep services. CPAP therapy is available through NHS respiratory medicine departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal STOP-BANG score?
A STOP-BANG score of 0-2 indicates low risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Scores of 3-4 indicate intermediate risk, and scores of 5-8 indicate high risk. A score of 3 or more suggests you should discuss sleep apnea screening with your healthcare provider.
What does each letter in STOP-BANG stand for?
Each letter represents a risk factor: S for Snoring (loud snoring), T for Tired (daytime fatigue), O for Observed apnea (witnessed breathing pauses), P for Pressure (high blood pressure), B for BMI > 35 kg/m², A for Age over 50 years, N for Neck circumference > 40 cm, and G for Gender (male). Each factor scores 1 point for a maximum of 8 points.
How accurate is the STOP-BANG questionnaire?
The STOP-BANG questionnaire has a sensitivity of 83.6% for detecting moderate to severe OSA when the score is 3 or higher. For scores of 5 or more, the specificity increases significantly. It is considered one of the most validated and widely used OSA screening tools in both clinical and pre-operative settings.
What should I do if my STOP-BANG score is high?
If your STOP-BANG score is 5 or higher (high risk), you should consult a sleep specialist for further evaluation. They may recommend polysomnography (a sleep study) to confirm the diagnosis. In India, you can visit AIIMS sleep labs or accredited sleep centers; in the US, board-certified sleep physicians; in the UK, your GP can refer you to an NHS sleep service. Untreated OSA increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and accidents.
Can I use this calculator instead of a formal sleep study?
No. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It helps identify individuals who are at higher risk of OSA and may benefit from a formal sleep study (polysomnography). A definitive diagnosis requires overnight monitoring of breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What treatments are available for obstructive sleep apnea?
Treatment options include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which is the gold standard; oral appliances that reposition the jaw; lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise, and avoiding alcohol before bed; positional therapy for mild cases; and in select cases, upper airway surgery such as UPPP or Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation. CPAP therapy is widely available in India (AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis), the US (covered by Medicare and most insurers), and the UK (available through NHS sleep services).
Is STOP-BANG suitable for all populations?
The STOP-BANG questionnaire has been validated in diverse populations including surgical patients, general sleep clinic referrals, and community screening. However, it may have lower specificity in certain populations such as older adults where age alone scores points, or in Asian populations where lower BMI cutoffs may be more appropriate (some studies suggest BMI > 30 kg/m² instead of 35 kg/m² for Asian populations). Discuss your results with a healthcare provider familiar with your demographic.
How is neck circumference measured for STOP-BANG?
Neck circumference is measured at the level of the cricothyroid membrane (just below the Adam's apple) using a flexible measuring tape. For STOP-BANG, a large neck is defined as > 43 cm (17 inches) for men and > 41 cm (16 inches) for women. In standard screening, this may be simplified to > 40 cm (15.75 inches) for both sexes. If you don't have a measuring tape, a collar size of 17 inches or larger for men is a practical clinical indicator.