Optimal treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive sleepiness

CPAP Therapy on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Backgrounds and Objectives: There is a link between sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and depressive and anxiety symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of these symptoms in patients with OSA and to evaluate the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on depression and anxiety scores. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive new patients diagnosed with moderate or severe (apnea-hypopnea index AHI ≥ 15 events/h) OSA were accepted for the CPAP therapy. Patients completed a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and a generalized anxiety questionnaire (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms before the CPAP treatment, after 6 months, and after 1 year of CPAP therapy with compliance. For both scores (PHQ-9 and GAD-7), a cut point ≥10 was used to indicate the presence of clinically depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: Forty-eight individuals (48.48%) had PHQ-9 scores above the cut-off point ≥ 10, and twenty-seven participants (27.27%) had GAD-7 scores above the cut-off point ≥10. A significant correlation has been shown between PHQ-9 score and BMI (p < 0.0001), AHI (p < 0.0001), ODI (p < 0.001), ESS (p < 0.001), GAD-7 score (p < 0.0001), and [t90] (p < 0.0001), while GAD-7 was correlated with AHI (p < 0.030), ODI (p < 0.006), and [t90] (p < 0.001). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores decreased significantly after 6 months of CPAP therapy in all groups and after 1 year of CPAP use. Conclusions: OSA patients should be screened for depression and anxiety. Furthermore, CPAP should be the first choice of treatment before starting other treatments for depression and anxiety symptoms.

In-office communication about excessive daytime sleepiness associated with treated obstructive sleep apnea: insights from an ethnographic study of physician-patient visits

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a primary symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), negatively affects functioning and quality of life (QoL). EDS can persist despite primary airway therapy, and often remains unmanaged, potentially due to inadequate provider-patient communication. Ethnographic research was conducted to assess provider-patient communication about EDS.

Methods

Participating physicians (primary care n = 5; pulmonologists n = 5; sleep specialists n = 3) identified adult patients (n = 33) diagnosed with OSA who were prescribed positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy ≥6 months prior and previously reported EDS. Visits and post-visit interviews were video-recorded and analyzed using standardized, validated sociolinguistic techniques.

Results

Despite 55% of patients (18/33) reporting QoL impacts post-visit, this was discussed during 28% (5/18) of visits. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was administered during 27% (9/33) of visits. Many patients (58% [19/33]) attributed EDS to factors other than OSA. Physicians provided EDS education during 24% of visits (8/33). Prior to the visit, 30% (10/33) of patients were prescribed EDS medication, of which 70% (7/10) reported currently experiencing EDS symptoms.

Conclusions

EDS was minimally discussed and rarely reassessed or treated after PAP therapy initiation in this study. Patients often attributed EDS to factors other than OSA. The findings suggest physicians and patients may benefit from dialogue tools, routine use of screening tools, and patient education.

Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Are a Population with Specific Needs: A Narrative Review of Current Theories

Background: While gender differences in antipsychotic response have been recognized, the potential role of menopause in changing drug efficacy and clinical outcome in schizophrenia related disorders has been understudied. We aimed to review the relevant literature to test whether optimizing menopausal and post-menopausal treatment and addressing specific health needs of this stage in life will improve outcome. Methods: Non-systematic narrative review using the PubMed database (1900–July 2021) focusing on randomized controlled trial results addressing our question. Forty-nine studies met our criteria. Results: Premenopausal women show significantly better antipsychotic response than postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) should be used in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia with caution. Raloxifene, combined with antipsychotics, is effective for psychotic and cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia and related disorders. Medical comorbidities increase after menopause, but the influence of comorbidities on clinical outcomes has been poorly investigated. Preventive strategies include weighing risks and benefits of treatment, preventing medical comorbidities, and enhancing psychosocial support. Ideal treatment settings for this population warrant investigation. Conclusions: Antipsychotic dose adjustment at menopause is recommended for schizophrenia. Raloxifene may play an important role in permitting dose reduction and lessening adverse effects. Prevention of comorbidities will help to reduce the mortality rate.

Comparing the effects of supplemental oxygen therapy and continuous positive airway pressure on patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with hypertension, psychological impairment, neurocognitive dysfunction, and poor quality of sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been confirmed to effectively improve OSA, while the effects of supplemental oxygen therapy on OSA have still remained controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of supplemental oxygen therapy and CPAP on patients with OSA.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception until April 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of supplemental oxygen therapy and CPAP on patients with OSA were selected without language restriction.

RESULTS

In this meta-analysis, 8 RCTs that involved 887 patients were found eligible for further analyses. Pooled data showed that there was no significant difference in improving nocturnal oxygen saturation (SpO₂) level (95% confidence interval (CI) = - 1.17 to 1.53) or symptoms of depression (95%CI = - 0.69 to 1.19) between supplemental oxygen therapy and CPAP. Supplemental oxygen therapy was found less effective in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), time of SpO₂ < 90%, blood pressure, and improving quality of sleep compared with CPAP. A subgroup analysis based on flow rate of oxygen indicated that the effects of supplemental oxygen therapy on blood pressure significantly differed. Furthermore, an improvement in overall time of SpO₂ < 90% was correlated to duration of supplemental oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

CPAP is clinically effective for the treatment of patients with OSA. However, supplemental oxygen therapy can be cautiously used for improving nocturnal hypoxia and symptoms of depression when CPAP is not acceptable or not tolerated. Supplemental oxygen therapy is a promising option to alleviate partial disorders of OSA. Further studies need to focus on flow rate of oxygen and duration of supplemental oxygen therapy.

Dysfunctional breathing treated with continuous positive airway pressure in newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea: a prospective cohort study

A prospective cohort study investigating patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was conducted to determine the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing and if continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves associated symptoms. Almost half of newly diagnosed patients with OSA had dysfunctional breathing and CPAP was not an effective treatment. Dysfunctional breathing is common in patients with OSA.

Effects on obstructive sleep apnea severity following a tailored behavioral sleep medicine intervention aimed at increased physical activity and sound eating: an 18-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Positive effects have been reported following a behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) intervention targeting physical activity and eating behavior in addition to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Long-term follow-up remains to be explored. The aim was to examine the long-term effects of a tailored BSM intervention addressing physical activity and eating behavior in addition to CPAP treatment in patients with moderate to severe OSA combined with overweight and physical inactivity. Further, the aim was to identify variables at baseline, associated with treatment success regarding OSA severity.

METHODS

Sixty participants (body mass index: 34.5 ± 5.0 kg/m²; apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]: 43.7 ± 21.2 events/h) completed the randomized controlled trial with a follow-up at 18 months. The participants were randomized to either a control group treated with CPAP or an experimental group treated with CPAP and a BSM intervention targeting physical activity and eating behavior changes. OSA was categorized as mild (AHI: 5 to <14.9 events/h), moderate (AHI: 15 to <29.9 events/h), or severe (AHI ≥30 events/h).

RESULTS

Being in the experimental group was associated with a larger improvement (B = -9.353, P = .029) in AHI at the 18-month follow-up compared with being in the control group when adjusting for baseline AHI and body mass index. Improvement in OSA category occurred more frequently in the experimental group participants (n = 11; 36.7%) compared with the control group (n = 2; 6.7%). Deterioration in OSA category was found in 1 (3.3%) participant in the experimental group and 3 (10%) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of a BSM intervention as an adjunct treatment in patients with OSA is emphasized due to its long-term benefits.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Lifestyle changes in obstructive sleep apnea; Identifier: NCT01102920.

Interventional Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: A Novel Technique to Guide Surgical Planning for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVE

One of the challenges of surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is identifying the correct surgical site for each patient. The objective of this study was to use drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and nasopharyngeal tube (NPT) placement to determine the effect of eliminating palatal collapse on the obstruction seen on other segments of the upper airway.

METHODS

Forty-one OSA patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients had a polysomnogram followed by DISE. DISE findings were recorded and compared with and without placement of a NPT. Obstruction was graded with a scale that incorporates location, severity, and interval of obstruction.

RESULTS

Most patients (83%) demonstrated multilevel obstruction on initial DISE. With the nasopharyngeal airway in place, many patients with multilevel obstruction had at least a partial improvement (74%) and some a complete resolution (35%) of collapse (p < 0.05). Reduction in collapse was observed at the lateral walls (86%), epiglottis (55%), and tongue base (50%). NPT placement did not significantly alter upper airway morphology of patients with incomplete palatal obstruction or mild OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of soft palatal stenting on downstream pharyngeal obstruction during DISE. Our study provides evidence that reducing soft palatal collapse can reduce negative pharyngeal pressure and thereby alleviate other sites of upper airway obstruction. Taken together, these findings provide a means to identify appropriate candidates for isolated palatal surgery and better direct a minimally invasive approach to the surgical management of OSA.

Therapeutic outcomes of mandibular advancement devices as an initial treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnea

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly efficacious treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is a need for alternative treatment options, such as sleep surgeries and mandibular advancement devices (MADs), to overcome the limitations of CPAP.This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic outcomes of OSA subjects who were treated with a MAD, and to estimate the clinical impact of MAD as a first-line treatment for OSA.Forty-seven patients diagnosed with OSA received an adjustable MAD as an initial treatment. Drug-induced sleep endoscopic findings and sleep parameters (both pre-MAD and post-MAD treatment), such as apnea index, oxygen saturation, and degree of daytime sleepiness, were assessed retrospectively.The MAD treatment resulted in a significant reduction in apnea-hypopnea index, and also a significant elevation in lowest oxygen saturation. Satisfactory results of MAD treatment as a first treatment modality were observed in 27 patients, and a successful outcome was reached in approximately 72% of patients. The OSA patients who had lower body mass index and upper airway narrowing at the level of palate and tongue base showed relatively higher rates of a satisfactory outcome even in cases of moderate or severe OSA.These results suggest that the use of a MAD may be an alternative treatment option in OSA patients with retropalatal and retroglossal area narrowing regardless of disease severity. Additionally, MADs can be recommended as an initial treatment modality, and the effectiveness of MADs in achieving success may not be inferior to CPAP.

Correlates of Pediatric CPAP Adherence

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common pediatric condition characterized by recurrent partial or complete cessation of airflow during sleep, typically due to inadequate upper airway patency. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a therapeutic option that reduces morbidity. Despite efforts to promote use, CPAP adherence is poor in both pediatric and adult populations. We sought to determine whether demographics, insurance status, OSA severity, therapeutic pressure, or comorbid conditions were associated with pediatric CPAP adherence.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adherence download data was performed on all pediatric patients with initiation or adjustment of CPAP treatment over a one-year period with documented in-laboratory CPAP titration. Patients were grouped as CPAP adherent or non-adherent, where adherence was defined as > 70% nightly use and average usage ≥ 4 hours per night. Differences between the groups were analyzed by χ(2) test.

RESULTS

Overall, nearly half of participants were CPAP adherent (49%, 69/140). Of the demographic data collected (age, ethnicity, sex, insurance status), only female sex was associated with better adherence (60.9% vs 39.5% of males adherent; odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95%CI = 1.20-4.85; p = 0.01). Severity of OSA (diagnostic apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and degree of hypoxemia), therapeutic pressure, and residual AHI did not impact CPAP adherence (p > 0.05). Patients with developmental delay (DD) were more likely to be adherent with CPAP than those without a DD diagnosis (OR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.27-5.13; p = 0.007). Female patients with trisomy 21 tended to be more adherent, but this did not reach significance or account for the overall increased adherence associated with female sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that adherence to CPAP therapy is poor but suggests that female sex and developmental delay are associated with better adherence. These findings support efforts to understand the pathophysiology of and to develop adherence-promoting and alternative interventions for pediatric OSA.

Management of obstructive sleep apnea in edentulous patients: an overview of the literature

Purpose

A high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is seen in edentulous individuals. Treatment options for edentulous OSA patients however are limited with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) remaining the current therapy of choice. As CPAP is associated with high non-adherence rates and oral appliance therapy requiring sufficient dentition, there is a clinical need for effective treatment strategies aimed at edentulous OSA patients. The purpose of this study was to present a thorough overview of the literature regarding (1) the effects of nocturnal denture wearing on OSA, (2) the outcomes of oral appliance therapy, and (3) surgical treatment in edentulous OSA patients.

Methods

A computer-assisted literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database on “edentulism” and “obstructive sleep apnea.” The search yielded a total of 34 original articles.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included after exclusion of non-relevant, duplicate, and non-English publications, comprising 4 randomized clinical trials, 12 case reports, and 4 cohort or cross-sectional studies. The outcomes of these studies were addressed in detail concerning nocturnal wearing of dentures, oral appliance therapy, and surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Currently, there is no consensus in the literature on the effects of nocturnal wearing of dentures on OSA. Several studies report the successful use of oral appliance therapy, including implant-retained mandibular advancement devices (MADs), in selected cases of edentulous patients with varying stages of OSA. Little evidence is available regarding outcomes of surgical procedures in edentulous patients. Based on the results of this literature overview, the paucity of effective evidence-based treatment strategies for edentulous OSA patients indicates the further need of clinical studies to improve clinical management.

Adenosine Diphosphate-Induced Platelets Aggregability in Polysomnographically Verified Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for arterial thrombosis and cardiovascular morbidity. Activated platelets play key roles in the development of atherothrombosis, thus may be involved in these complications of OSAS. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between severity of OSAS and the degree of platelet aggregates as a marker of activated platelets in 64 patients with OSAS. Platelet aggregations were determined by means of optical aggregometry, using adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as an agonist. Compared with the control group, ADP-induced platelet aggregability was increased in patients with total OSAS, severe OSAS, and in mild to moderate OSAS. Moreover, ADP-induced platelet aggregation was correlated with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) in patients with severe OSAS. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with enhanced platelets aggregations, which may predispose the cardiovascular sequels. The ESS may be important in predicting platelet activation and thus atherothrombotic complications in those with OSAS.

The effect of physician continuing medical education on patient-reported outcomes for identifying and optimally managing obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of continuing medical education (CME) activities on patient reported outcomes with regard to (1) screening for excessive sleepiness (ES) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and (2) appropriate referral and treatment.

METHODS

A total of 725 patients were recruited from 75 providers who either participated or did not participate in Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based OSA CME activities. Patient reported outcomes from participating (n = 36) and non-participating providers (n = 39) were compared using generalized estimating equations examining random effects of provider as unit of assignment.

RESULTS

Patients' reports demonstrate that participating physicians were 1.7 times more likely to initiate discussion of sleep problems than non-participating physicians (t1,411 = 3.71, p = 0.05) and 2.25-2.86 times more likely to administer validated measures for OSA (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG). Patient reports also indicated that participating clinicians (79.9%) were significantly more likely to recommend seeing a sleep specialist compared to non-participating clinicians (60.7%; t1,348 = 9.1, p < 0.01, OR = 2.6). Furthermore, while 89.4% of participating clinicians recommended a sleep study, only 73.2% of the non-participating physicians recommended one (t1,363 = 11.46, p < 0.001, OR = 3.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in TTM-based OSA CME activities was associated with improved patient reported outcomes compared to the non-participating clinicians.

Lipid profile after long-term APAP in OSA patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the impact of an 8-year therapy with autoadjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) on fasting lipid level in a sample of Portuguese moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Besides contributing to the comprehension of the complex relationship between dyslipidemia and OSA, it provided new data regarding the effectiveness of a long term APAP treatment.

METHODS

Thirty-nine male patients with moderate to severe OSA were included in the study. APAP was prescribed to all patients. Fifteen patients were under lipid-lowering medication throughout the study, and another 15 patients never used lipid-lowering medication at any time during the study. Fasting morning venous blood samples were collected at three time points (baseline 6 months and 8 years) and lipids were estimated. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 software.

RESULTS

After 8 years of APAP treatment, patients presented a similar body mass index but a significantly less severe daytime sleepiness. Patients on lipid-lowering medication exhibited a higher reduction in total cholesterol than those naïf from that medication, but the reduction was not statistically significant after adjusting for medication and APAP adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term APAP treatment improves OSA but does not seem to contribute to changes in fasting lipids.

The cholinergic system may play a role in the pathophysiology of residual excessive sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by momentary cessations in breathing during sleep due to intermittent obstruction of the upper airway. OSA has been frequently associated with a number of medical comorbidities. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the gold standard treatment and is known to improve OSA symptoms, including excessive sleepiness. However, 12-14% of CPAP-treated patients continue to complain of sleepiness despite normalization of ventilation during sleep, and 6% after exclusion of other causes of EDS. This is of great concern because EDS is strongly associated with systemic health disorders, lower work performance, and a high risk of accidents. We hypothesized that decreased central cholinergic activity plays a role in the pathophysiology of residual excessive sleepiness in patients with OSA treated with CPAP. Acetylcholine (Ach) plays a large role in wakefulness physiology, and its levels are reduced in sleepiness. Herein, we discuss the potential role of the cholinergic system in this new clinical condition.

Poor sleep, hazardous breathing: an overview of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic disorder resulting from upper airway collapse during sleep. It is linked to a variety of health and safety risks but can often be effectively treated. This article provides an overview of the disorder, including an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management.

Emerging therapies for obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder often associated with daytime sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular consequences. Available therapies are limited by either lack of long-term adherence or low response rates. Two emerging therapies hold promise in providing alternatives to patients with OSA. The first stems from the importance of the upper-airway dilator muscles in maintaining pharyngeal stability. Electrical stimulation of the genioglossus muscle improves both upper-airway diameter and ameliorates pharyngeal obstruction. The results of phase I and II clinical trials hold promise, but the reported improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index vary between subjects and concerns about long-term safety await long-term studies. The second technology relies on creating an increased expiratory nasal resistance via a bidirectional valve designed to be worn just inside the nostrils. Initial findings of clinical trials suggest reduction in severity of sleep apnea and subjective daytime sleepiness. Considerable heterogeneity in response to the nasal device was noted despite the high adherence rates. It remains unclear which patients will likely benefit a priori from these devices.

Current opinions and clinical practice in the titration of oral appliances in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in episodic reductions in blood oxygen saturation and arousals from sleep. Mandibular repositioning appliances (MRAs) which are worn intra-orally at night, mechanically advance the mandible to help maintain a patent oropharygeal airway and have been proven to be an effective alternative for continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Titratable MRAs are designed to gradually protrude the mandible applying an easy-to-use mechanical advancing mechanism, until a protrusive position with positive effect on sleep apnea is reached. Considering the relatively low-tech approach of the basic advancement mechanism, the interest in the mechanistic element of the dental treatment of obstructive sleep apnea has increased. The present paper provides an overview of the different titration protocols described in the recent literature together with a discussion of both the clinical and mechanical aspects of treatment. At present, a consensus exists that an optimal titration protocol is of primary importance to achieve a successful treatment outcome with an MRA. To date however, there is no consensus on how to define the optimal titration protocol.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression and the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common disorder which has a negative impact on the psychological well-being of affected individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between OSA and depression as well as the effect of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

METHODS

A total of 37 newly diagnosed individuals with OSA underwent an overnight polysomnography and were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Patients were assessed before and after 2 months of CPAP use.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients included in the study, 21 (56.7%) had clinically relevant depression as indicated by a score >10 on the HDRS and eleven patients (29.7%) met the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode using the Structured Clinical Interview. Scores on the HDRS were correlated with the Apnea Hypoxia Index, ESS scores, and oxygen saturation. Patients showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in ESS scores after CPAP treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with OSA should be screened carefully for depressive disorders. CPAP should be tried first before starting other treatment modalities for depression.

Combined oral appliance and positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The high efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is limited by poor compliance often related to pressure intolerance. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are proven alternative therapy although not universally effective. A combination of nasal CPAP and MAD may provide another option for CPAP-intolerant patients with incomplete response to MAD.

METHODS

Ten patients with residual apnea/hypopnea events on MAD who were intolerant to CPAP were recruited prospectively from the sleep clinic. After a washout period of 1 week off MAD, subjects were asked to use an auto-CPAP unit along with their prescribed MAD for three consecutive nights. Oxygen desaturations were obtained from overnight oximetry. Efficacy of the combination therapy was evaluated by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Smartcard data recordings.

RESULTS

The combination of MAD and nasal CPAP was well tolerated by all participants. Compared to CPAP alone, the optimal CPAP pressure required to eliminate all obstructive events on the combination therapy was reduced from 9.4 ± 2.3 to 7.3 ± 1.4 cm H₂O (p = 0.001). The residual apnea hypopnea index on the MAD decreased from 11.2 ± 3.9 to 3.4 ± 1.5 on the combination therapy (p < 0.001). The number of oxygen desaturations was also less with the combination therapy than with MAD (p < 0.001). Both the MAD and the combination therapy were effective in reducing daytime sleepiness from 12.7 ± 2.1 at baseline to 9.7 ± 3.1 (p = 0.04) and 7.5 ± 4.1 (p = 0.007), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy of MAD and nasal CPAP is effective in normalizing respiratory disturbances of sleep apnea in selected OSA patients who are intolerant to CPAP.