Objective To discuss the screening and diagnostic value of nocturnal oximetry saturation monitoring combined with clinical score (CS) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods A total of 106 snorers were recruited in the analysis whose general information and medical history were collected respectively. All patients received polysomnography (PSG) and oximeter monitoring. The patients were divided into a non-OSAHS group and an OSAHS group according to apnea hypopnea index (AHI). A correlation analysis was made between PSG-AHI and oximeter-ODI to analyze the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of different ODI combined with CS for OSAHS. Results The AHI, ODI, CS for the non-OSAHS group were 1.8±1.4 times/h, 2.6±3.5 times/h and 1.0±0.8; while for the OSAHS group they were correspondingly 37.3±23.9 times/h, 31.0±24.1 times/h, 2.6±1.1. There was a significant correlation between ODI and AHI (r=0.943, P<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of ODI≥5 times/h combined with CS≥2 for diagnosis of OSAHS were 91.7% and 94.1% respectively, which had the value of preliminary screening. The sensitivity and specificity of ODI≥10 times/h combined with CS≥2 for diagnosis of OSAHS were 77.8% and 100.0% respectively, which would not result in misdiagnose for severe patients with AHI >30 times/h, so it could be an index of severe OSAHS screening. Conclusion Nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturation monitoring combined with clinical score is of significant value for initial diagnosis of OSAHS.