Why I founded Breathe Circle

One question stayed with me

I have worked with non-invasive approaches to snoring and sleep apnoea for around 20 years. One question comes up again and again. If I have a problem, where do I start, and who can help me take the next step?

In conversations with ENT doctors, sleep specialists, other healthcare professionals and health insurers, I realised how much knowledge and support are already available. Yet it can be hard to see how to get from one service to the next. That is where I want Breathe Circle to help.

A network to help you find your way

My idea is to bring clear information and the right expertise together in one place. Pharmacies, drugstores, practices and other healthcare professionals can help people get started. The relevant clinicians remain responsible for medical assessments and treatment decisions.

GPs can also use the network to find suitable services together with their patients. Breathe Circle builds on existing contacts and shows other options. Our map grows as partners add services and confirm their qualifications.

Four steps to make the journey clearer

It starts with your own nasal breathing. The Breathe Test invites you to compare how it feels. A structured BBT snoring consultation with a trained professional can then help you write down symptoms and questions for your doctor.

Your insurance model determines whom you see first for further assessment. This might be your GP, a telemedicine service or another designated provider. Together you can discuss whether an ENT examination or an overnight breathing study would be helpful. You and your treating clinician can then choose suitable treatment options.

My goal is a treatment that fits everyday life

I want people to find a medically appropriate treatment they can tolerate in everyday life and use over the long term, with as little delay as possible. I hope to help people avoid unnecessary detours and abandoned treatments, and use time and money thoughtfully. Waiting times and costs will still depend on individual circumstances.

The BBT snoring consultation costs CHF 49 and is paid for by the person attending. Ask your insurer whether it will reimburse you. Before arranging examinations or treatment, check what your policy covers and how your insurance model works.

We build the Circle together

Breathe Circle depends on people who share what they know, listen and work together. In The Daily Sniff, I share my thoughts as founder, what I learn in conversations and the next steps for our network.

Take a look around the site. Explore the four steps and show the network to someone who could use a little guidance. I hope it starts new conversations and brings the right people together.

Warm wishes, Thomas