New-generation positional therapy in patients with positional central sleep apnea

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Positional central sleep apnea (PCSA) is a subtype of sleep apnea influenced by sleep posture.
• Effective treatment options for PCSA are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and impact of a novel sleep position trainer (SPT) in patients diagnosed with PCSA.
• To assess the device's effectiveness, patient compliance, and quality of life improvements over 1 and 6 months.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter cohort study included patients with symptomatic PCSA.
• Effectiveness (Apnea-Hypopnea Index - AHI), compliance, and quality of life were assessed at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups.
• The study utilized a new-generation smart device for positional therapy.

Main Results:

• Sixteen patients were enrolled, showing a significant reduction in median AHI from 23.4/h to 11.5/h after 1 month (p=0.044), and further to 9.7/h at 6 months (p=0.075).
• Supine sleep percentage decreased significantly from 37.6% to 6.7% after 1 month (p<0.001) and remained low at 6 months (6.8%, p=0.001).
• While Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores did not significantly change, the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire showed significant improvement after 6 months compared to baseline (p=0.030).

Conclusions:

• The SPT is effective in reducing AHI and central apnea index in PCSA patients.
• The device demonstrates feasibility and is associated with symptomatic improvement in PCSA.
• This study is the first to report on a new-generation smart device for positional therapy in PCSA, showing positive and considerable effects.