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Addressing Sleep Apnea: A Call to Action by Philips Japan

On September 2, 2026, Philips Japan organized a significant media roundtable at its Azabudai headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, to raise awareness about sleep apnea and the need for early detection and treatment leading up to Sleep Day on September 3. The event underscored the numerous health risks associated with sleep apnea, including hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular issues, as well as daytime drowsiness that can lead to reduced productivity and increased accident risk.

Current estimates suggest that over 9 million people in Japan may suffer from sleep apnea, yet many in their prime working years often delay seeking medical attention. Recent developments like remote consultations, home testing, and expanded insurance coverage for CPAP treatments aim to create an environment more conducive to early medical intervention.

The roundtable featured a presentation by Hirokazu Murauka, the Chief Medical Officer of the Clinic For Group and Director of the Clinic For Tamachi. He addressed the often-overlooked nature of sleep apnea, emphasizing that it is not merely an issue of snoring but a serious condition affecting quality of life and life itself. Mr. Murauka stated that while approximately 9.4 million individuals in Japan are estimated to have moderate to severe sleep apnea, only about 730,000 are receiving CPAP therapy, indicating that over 90% of those affected remain undiagnosed and untreated.

During his talk, Murauka highlighted the characteristics of individuals prone to sleep apnea and provided self-check criteria to assess the need for medical evaluation. He illustrated the serious risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, including heightened chances of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and traffic accidents.

In addition to his verbal presentation, Mr. Murauka shared data indicating that the number of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea at the Clinic For Group has increased nearly eightfold from July 2020 to June 2026. He explained that this rise was not due to an actual increase in the number of patients but rather reflected a growing awareness and willingness to seek help among those previously unaware of their condition.

Challenges faced by the working population, such as difficulties in finding time during the weekdays, psychological barriers associated with inpatient testing, and uncertainty regarding where to seek consultation, often lead to delays in seeking treatment. Murauka pointed out that until recently, traditional healthcare channels did not effectively connect these patients to necessary care and treatments. However, he noted that by June 2026, regulations permitting the identification of sleep disorders will coincide with relaxed insurance criteria for CPAP therapy, which will expand access to diagnosis and therapy for many.

He urged those experiencing symptoms of snoring or daytime sleepiness not to dismiss these signs as mere consequences of age or fatigue, but rather to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

To further enhance understanding of sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, Philips Japan conducted a demonstration showcasing home testing equipment and CPAP devices. This demonstration illustrated that sleep testing can be conveniently performed in one's own home using devices delivered directly to patients, thus lowering the psychological barrier associated with seeking testing and treatment.

The CPAP therapy demonstration explained how the device works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airways open. While some users may initially feel uncomfortable with the mask, many gradually adapt to its use over time, enjoying the benefits of improved sleep quality.

Event Overview

• - Date: September 2, 2026, 14:00-15:00
• - Location: Philips Japan Azabudai Headquarters (1-3-1 Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, 15th floor, Minato, Tokyo)
• - Speakers:

- Hirokazu Murauka, CMO of the Clinic For Group and Director of Clinic For Tamachi
- Misako Abe, President of Philips Japan

About Philips Japan

Founded in 1953, Philips Japan is the Japanese arm of Royal Philips, aiming to improve the lives of people through innovative technology. With a diverse range of sectors including diagnostic imaging, personal health solutions, and more, Philips Japan is committed to addressing healthcare challenges in an aging society with approximately 2,000 employees across about 70 locations.

About Royal Philips

Operating globally, Royal Philips has positioned itself as a leader in health technology. With a focus on consumer health and professional health solutions, the company combines innovative designs and insights from healthcare professionals and consumers to enhance well-being. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands and operates in over 100 countries, employing around 64,800 people.