Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy offers access to devices that provide airway pressure for individuals experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. These devices utilize algorithms to adjust pressure levels based on the user’s breathing patterns throughout the night, theoretically eliminating the need for a prior diagnostic polysomnogram. This approach can be more convenient and potentially less expensive than traditional methods involving a formal sleep study.
Facilitating access to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the need for a traditional diagnostic sleep study can be particularly beneficial for individuals in underserved communities or those with limited access to healthcare resources. Historically, diagnosis and subsequent treatment for OSA required an overnight polysomnogram in a sleep laboratory, often involving significant wait times and costs. The emergence of alternative pathways to therapy has the potential to streamline the process and increase access to care, potentially mitigating some of the long-term health risks associated with untreated OSA, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
