Use of positional therapy when incorporated into a diagnosis-treatment algorithm for obstructive sleep apnea

Positional obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent. We hypothesized that by incorporating positional therapy into a diagnosis-treatment algorithm for OSA it would frequently be prescribed as an appropriate first-line therapy.

Fifty-nine members (45 males, 49±9 yrs, BMI 35.2±5.6 kg/m²) of the Law Enforcement Health Benefits (LEHB), Inc. of Philadelphia with clinically suspected OSA were evaluated. Patients completed an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire and a home sleep test (HST). Patients diagnosed with positional OSA (non-supine apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] < 5 events/hr) were offered positional therapy. A cost comparison to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was performed.

Fifty-four (92%) of the patients (43 males, 49±9 yrs, BMI 35.2±5.3 kg/m²) had OSA on their HST (AHI 24.2±20.1 events/hr). Sixteen (30%) patients had positional OSA. Compared to non-positional patients, patients with positional OSA were less heavy (32.4±5.1 vs. 36.4±5.1 kg/m², respectively [p=0.009]), less sleepy (ESS 8±5 vs. 12±5, respectively [p=0.009]), and had less severe OSA (AHI 10.4±4.3 vs. 30.0±21.3 events/hr, respectively [p<0.001]). Thirteen of the 16 patients with positional OSA agreed to positional therapy and 31 non-positional OSA patients agreed to CPAP therapy. Based on initial costs, incorporating positional therapy ($189.95/device compared to CPAP therapy at $962.49/device) into the treatment algorithm resulted in a 24% cost savings compared to if all the patients were initiated on CPAP therapy.

With the high prevalence of positional OSA, using a diagnosis-treatment algorithm that incorporates positional therapy allows it to be more frequently considered as a cost effective first-line therapy for OSA.