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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Juan Wang¹, Yan Wang, Jing Feng

¹Respiratory Department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.

Patient Preference and Adherence

|July 18, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS) is a sleep-disordered breathing issue seen in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients using CPAP. While mechanisms are unclear, CompSAS often resolves with continued CPAP or alternative treatments.

Keywords:

adaptive servo-ventilation apnea threshold central sleep apnea complex sleep apnea syndrome continuous positive airway pressure obstructive sleep apnea

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Area of Science:

Sleep Medicine
Respiratory Physiology

Background:

Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS) is a subtype of sleep-disordered breathing.
It emerges in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
The underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of CompSAS remain subjects of ongoing research and debate.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the definition and potential mechanisms of CompSAS.
To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing CompSAS.
To outline current and emerging treatment strategies for CompSAS.

Main Methods:

This review synthesizes existing literature on CompSAS.
It examines the high loop gain theory as a potential explanatory mechanism.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes are discussed based on current evidence.

Main Results:

CompSAS presents with central sleep apnea (CSA) breathing patterns in OSA patients on CPAP.
CSA events in CompSAS are often transient, resolving with extended CPAP use (4-8+ weeks).
Initial CPAP intolerance and subsequent nonadherence are significant challenges.

Conclusions:

CompSAS is a complex condition requiring further investigation into its pathophysiology.
While often transient, CompSAS can impact CPAP adherence.
Advanced therapies like adaptive servo-ventilation offer rapid symptom relief but involve complex, costly devices.