Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Prevalence of persistent sleep apnea in patients treated with continuous positive airway pressure
Marcel A Baltzan1, Ibrahim Kassissia, Osama Elkholi
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. marc.baltzan@clinepi.mcgill.ca
Study Objective:
There are limited data on the prevalence of persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who are clinically asymptomatic with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of persistent OSA and to explore the parameters that may be capable of discriminating these patients.
Design:
Prospective survey.
Setting:
A tertiary-care sleep-disorders clinic.
Participants:
Consecutive patients treated with single-pressure CPAP for at least 3 months were studied. All had undergone CPAP titrations and were compliant with treatment. They denied snoring or persistent excessive daytime somnolence. Of 114 who qualified, 101 were studied.
Interventions:
Subjects underwent 16-channel polysomnography with electroencephalogram and pneumotachometer while using their CPAP.
Measurements And Results:
Seventeen of 101 subjects (17%) had an apnea-hypopnea index of over 10. Fifty-one had only split-night protocols for CPAP titration. There was no significant difference between participants with persistent OSA and those with an apnea-hypopnea index < 5 with regard to age, sex, time since diagnosis, reported snoring, change in weight, or quality of life (all p > .10). Mean current CPAP level was higher, with a mean +/- SD 10.6 +/- 2.8 versus 8.6 +/- 2.3 cm H2O (p = .002). Unresolved air leak related to CPAP was more frequent in the patients with persistent OSA. Morning headaches, nonrestorative sleep, and frequent central apneas on the CPAP titration were all associated with persistent OSA.
Conclusions:
Persistent OSA is frequent in patients treated with CPAP. This is more frequent in patients with high body mass index, higher prescribed pressures, and unresolved mask leak.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...