Remote monitoring of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treated with CPAP: a feasibility study

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent sleep disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly due to its links with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension (HT). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the standard treatment for OSAS, yet individualized therapy and monitoring are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing connected devices to remotely monitor OSAS patients undergoing CPAP treatment.

Ten patients diagnosed with OSAS were enrolled in a prospective observational feasibility study. Participants wore two wearables continuously: CenterPoint Insight Watch ™ for sleep and physical activity monitoring, and Aktiia™ bracelet for blood pressure measurement. CPAP usage data were collected using the DreamStation™ device. Data synchronization and processing were conducted using a dedicated Python script. Primary outcomes included acceptability, compliance, autonomy in device usage, and data quality. Secondary outcomes focused on the feasibility of integrating a centralized platform for analysis.

Acceptability among patients was reasonable, with 58% consenting to participate. However, two patients discontinued the study due to skin allergies and device interference with professional activities. Most participants demonstrated autonomy in using the devices, although two required assistance with synchronization. Data quality varied, particularly with nocturnal blood pressure measurements, affected by technical issues and individual factors. Integration of data from all devices onto a centralized platform was feasible, enabling comprehensive analysis.

The study highlighted successes in continuous remote monitoring of OSAS patients undergoing CPAP treatment. Challenges included device-related issues and manual data processing. A centralized platform for data integration and analysis proved promising for longitudinal monitoring and personalized healthcare delivery.

This feasibility study demonstrates the potential of remote monitoring in CPAP-treated OSAS patients. Future efforts should focus on addressing technical challenges and optimizing data integration on a common platform to realize the full benefits of continuous monitoring in personalized healthcare management.