Philips Hosts Public Events on Sleep Apnea Awareness in Niigata and Hiroshima

Major Events by Philips Japan: Enhancing Awareness on Sleep Apnea

Philips Japan, a subsidiary of the global health technology company Royal Philips, recently conducted two significant public events in Japan: one at the Niigata City Plaza on September 7, 2025, and another on September 20, 2025, at the NTT Cred Hall in Hiroshima. These events aimed to educate the public about the importance of discovering and treating Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) for improved health and better sleep quality.

According to the "Sleep Survey 2024" conducted by Philips, a mere 17% of respondents reported satisfaction with their sleep, indicating a widespread issue impacting many individuals. SAS, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, is often overlooked, even as a significant number of people suffer from its effects. Although awareness is slowly increasing, many individuals are still not undergoing the necessary tests or treatments for SAS.

In Japan, around 9 million potential SAS patients are estimated to exist, yet only 700,000 to 800,000 of these individuals are actually receiving CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. Alarmingly, around 90% of those exhibiting SAS symptoms have yet to seek medical diagnosis, highlighting the urgent need for public education on this health issue.

Niigata Event: "Know SAS and Make Your Health Sustainable"

The Niigata event welcomed over 400 attendees and included a panel discussion featuring guest speaker and television writer, Yukiko Nonomura, alongside three professors from Niigata University. The event's theme, "Know SAS and Make Your Health Sustainable," encouraged participants to learn more about SAS, which is frequently dismissed as mere snoring. Experts discussed the risks associated with SAS and its societal implications, facilitating an opportunity for the public to gain accurate knowledge about early detection and treatment of the condition.

During the event, Nonomura shared her experience of taking a home test for SAS, expressing her surprise at how simple it was. "The home testing kit was easy to use; it just arrived, and I slept with it on my finger. The next day, I returned it without any discomfort," she commented. As a result of her experience, she planned to suggest a check-up to her husband, who snores, emphasizing the link between snoring and potential health issues.

Hiroshima Event: "Don’t Miss the Signs of Sleep Disorders!"

Shortly after the Niigata event, the public lecture in Hiroshima attracted around 300 participants. The discussion, themed "Don’t Miss the Signs of Sleep Disorders! – Understanding Good Sleep and Sleep Apnea Syndrome," was organized by Chugoku Broadcasting and sponsored by Philips Japan. It featured a keynote speech by sleep specialist Dr. Gen Kumagai and a panel discussion with baseball commentator Soichiro Amaya, who shared his personal experiences with SAS treatment.

A key highlight was the interactive session where audience members could ask questions. One attendee inquired about the effectiveness of the sleep-apnea treatment device Amaya had used. He noted, "I wouldn’t know since I'm asleep, but my wife says I don't snore anymore. When I can’t wear the device for some reason, she’ll mention that I’m snoring again." This exchange delighted the audience and demonstrated the personal impact of SAS treatment on relationships.

Dr. Tanakaya emphasized, "If you experience over five pauses in breathing lasting 10 seconds or more each hour, it may indicate severe sleep apnea. It's often hard for individuals to realize these issues at night; it's crucial for loved ones to be vigilant about their partners' health."

The events served as an impactful means to spread vital information about SAS, enhancing public understanding of the condition and encouraging timely diagnosis and treatment. By addressing this health crisis head-on, Philips Japan aims to improve the sleeping health of Japanese citizens and, by extension, their overall quality of life.

About Philips Japan

Founded in 1953, Philips Japan has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the population through innovative technologies. Its main business areas span diagnostic imaging, ultrasound diagnosis, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring, health informatics, sleep and respiratory care, and personal health solutions. With a workforce of around 2,000 employees operating through approximately 70 locations, Philips is committed to addressing the medical and health challenges posed by Japan’s aging society.

For more information about Philips, visit Philips Japan Website.