Value-based sleep and breathing: health economic aspects of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and costly medical condition. Untreated OSA is associated with numerous and well-documented adverse health consequences including depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. In addition to these health consequences, untreated OSA is also associated with substantial costs borne by patients, payers, the health system, and society at large. Perhaps more importantly, evidence suggests that OSA treatment is associated with positive economic benefit. The purpose of this brief review is to introduce economic aspects of OSA, including the potential economic benefit of OSA treatment.