Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing pauses repeatedly during sleep. In Singapore, it affects both adults and children, often going unnoticed as simple snoring. If untreated, it can lead to fatigue, memory lapses, mood changes and long-term risks such as heart disease and diabetes.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists play an important role in evaluating and managing sleep apnea, especially when the condition is related to structural issues in the airway. They provide sleep studies, airway assessments and treatment options ranging from medical therapies to surgery.
If you are looking for recommended ENT clinics in Singapore, this article highlights three clinics that offer dedicated evaluation and treatment for sleep apnea.
The breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea often last several seconds and can happen many times throughout the night. Some people are not aware of the problem until a partner notices choking sounds, gasps or long silences in breathing.
If you or someone close to you experiences the following, it may be time to seek medical advice:
Dr Valerie Tay is a senior consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon and the director of Aspire Ear, Nose, Throat & Snoring Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. Her clinical practice covers a wide range of ENT conditions, with a particular focus on snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr Tay obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology (MMed ORL) from the National University of Singapore. She went on to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS) and a fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS), reflecting her professional standards in ENT practice.
Management Approaches:
Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM | Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Location: Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #06-10, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Dr Paul Mok is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist accredited by the Ministry of Health, with more than 25 years of experience in managing complex conditions of the upper airway. His practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, a field in which he has built a reputation for precision, compassion and patient-centred care.
He received a medical degree from the National University of Singapore and went on to complete advanced specialist training in Otorhinolaryngology. Dr Mok is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. He also served as a senior consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he led the hospital’s sleep apnea service.
Management Approaches:
Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30 AM – 5 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 12.30 PM | Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Locations: Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road, #09-24, Singapore 329563 |Farrer Park Hospital, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Connexion, #10-04, Singapore 217562
Dr Lau Chee Chong is an ENT specialist in Singapore with over 30 years of specialist experience. He is currently a medical director and senior consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at Ear Nose & Throat Centre CC Lau.
Dr Lau obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the National University of Singapore (NUS), one of the country’s foremost medical institutions. He is also a fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS, ENT) and a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed). These qualifications reflect his formal training and recognised expertise in surgical practice.
Management Approaches:
Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM | Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Location: Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Suite 14-11, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Feeling unsure about your first sleep apnea appointment is completely normal. This appointment is an opportunity for you and your clinician to explore the symptoms that have been troubling you, understand your sleep patterns and determine whether further testing is needed.
Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:
Your clinician will ask a few focused questions about how you sleep. This short conversation helps identify patterns and possible signs of sleep apnea. Bringing a brief sleep diary or notes can make this part easier and more accurate.
A brief examination is then performed, focusing on your nose, mouth, throat and neck to identify any factors that could narrow the airway. Your blood pressure and body mass index may also be measured. The process is simple and non-invasive, providing the clinician with important insights into possible causes of disrupted sleep.
If sleep apnea is suspected, your clinician will discuss whether a home sleep test or polysomnography is most appropriate. They will explain what each test involves and guide you in choosing the option that best suits your needs. You will also receive clear instructions on how to prepare for the test.
ENT specialists play an important role in identifying structural issues that may be contributing to disrupted breathing at night and in guiding patients toward the most suitable treatment options.
Look for ENT specialists with training and experience in managing sleep-disordered breathing and related procedures. Experienced ENT doctors such as Dr Valerie Tay, Dr Paul Mok and Dr Lau Chee Chong offer comprehensive evaluations and personalised management plans to address each patient’s specific needs.