Intervention Design and Trial Protocol: Mindfulness-based Exposure for PAP-associated Claustrophobia

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Claustrophobia is a common barrier to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, leading to treatment failure.
• Current interventions for PAP-associated claustrophobia lack evidence-based support.
• This gap necessitates the development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test a novel intervention, Mindfulness-based Exposure for PAP-associated Claustrophobia (ME-PAP), in adults with OSA experiencing treatment non-adherence and claustrophobia.
• To assess the preliminary effectiveness of ME-PAP on reducing claustrophobia symptoms.
• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact on treatment adherence for a future large-scale randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• The study protocol outlines a pilot trial for the ME-PAP intervention, combining Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and exposure therapy.
• Participants include adults with OSA who are non-adherent to PAP therapy due to claustrophobia.
• The design aims to gather preliminary data on intervention effects, adherence differences, and feasibility.

Main Results:

• Preliminary findings will establish the effect size of ME-PAP on claustrophobia.
• The study will explore differences in PAP adherence between the intervention and control groups.
• Feasibility, protocol implementation, delivery, and participant acceptability will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• The pilot trial of ME-PAP is designed to provide initial evidence for its efficacy in treating claustrophobia associated with PAP therapy in OSA patients.
• Results will inform the design of a fully powered randomized controlled trial to confirm these findings.
• Successful implementation could lead to improved adherence and treatment outcomes for OSA patients.