Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess variable negative external pressure (vNEP) therapy using a range of pressures and varying collar sizes and shapes to identify combinations that improve the efficacy and comfort of this emerging therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).METHODS: This prospective, open-label pilot study included 28 eligible patients (71% men) having documented moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index 15 = AHI = 30) at one sleep clinic for an overnight, in-lab sleep trial. Each participant tested at least 2 of 6 available vNEP devices during sleep periods =2 hours. During the assessment of AHI by polysomnography, negative pressures of -20 to -35 cmH2O were adjusted to improve each patient's response. Participants' therapeutic preferences were assessed by a questionnaire and interviews.RESULTS: Twenty (71%) of the participants responded to vNEP therapy: excellent response (AHI = 5 events/h) was observed in 14 (50%); 6 (21%) achieved a partial response (AHI = 50% baseline). For the 20 responders, the therapy reduced the fraction of total sleep time when peripheral oxygen saturation SpO2 < 90% and improved minimum SpO2. Six patients experienced a minor, self-limited adverse event. Twenty-six participants (93%) stated that they would use vNEP nightly.CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study vNEP therapy markedly improved AHI and oxygenation in most patients with moderate OSA. The majority of participants found vNEP comfortable and preferable to prevailing OSA therapies. Further development and studies of vNEP are warranted.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04718142; Study of Variable Negative External Pressure (vNEP) in Reducing Respiratory Event in Individuals With OSA; Unique Protocol ID: 20193101.

View details for DOI 10.5664/jcsm.9680

View details for PubMedID 34596039