Evaluation of a Trial Period With a Sleep Position Trainer in Patients With Positional Sleep Apnea

To assess the overall clinical effectiveness of a sleep position trainer (SPT) in patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) and to evaluate how many patients were willing to continue treatment after a 1-month trial period.

Patients in whom POSA was diagnosed underwent a 1-month trial period with the SPT. Home sleep apnea tests were used to measure baseline data and data following the trial period with the SPT.

The 79 patients who completed the study protocol were 81% male, had a mean age of 52 ± 12 years, and a median baseline respiratory event index (REI) of 11 (8, 16) events/h. A significant reduction in overall REI to 5 (3, 10) events/h was observed with the SPT as compared to baseline (P < .001). The median percentage of sleep time in the supine position decreased significantly from 27 (20, 48) to 7 (2, 20) with the SPT (P < .001). Adherence was found to be 95 ± 8%. Of the 44 patients who decided to continue treatment, 27 were categorized as responders (having a decrease in REI of at least 50%) and 17 were non-responders. The most important reasons for not purchasing the SPT were poor objective results, intolerance to the vibrations, cost of the device, persistent daytime sleepiness, or patient preference for other treatment options.

Treatment with the SPT came with high adherence rates and was effective in reducing REI and supine sleep position. The trial period is in the patients' best interest, as it may prevent those who will not benefit from positional training from purchasing an SPT.