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P38 Management of mild obstructive sleep apnoea using continuous positive airway pressure in a healthcare scientist–led sleep service

bmjresp · 2026-07-01 · canonical JSON source

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Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition whereby the upper airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, resulting in fragmentation of sleep and increased cardiovascular events. Mild OSA, defined as Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) of 6-15 events per hour can cause significant daytime symptoms. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2021) recommends conservative treatment of mild OSA including weight loss, positional therapy and lifestyle measures. However, in patients with persistent daytime symptoms Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy should be offered (NICE, 2021). Garnadoux et al. (2016) found that CPAP therapy adherence in mild OSA was low. Specialist-led assessment, including input from Consultants and Advanced Clinical Scientists, may enhance patient understanding, engagement, and subsequent adherence to therapy.Aim This study aimed to explore CPAP adherence in patients with mild symptomatic OSA following assessment in a Clinical Scientist Led clinic and to evaluate whether scientist-led sleep services could support improved adherence and symptom control.Methods A retrospective study of 122 patients diagnosed with mild OSA (AHI 6–15) who attended either Consultant or Advanced Clinical Scientist-led clinics. Of these, 45 patients were initiated on CPAP therapy. Data were collected at baseline (specialist clinic), at the first follow-up (14 days post-initiation), and at 180 days. Variables included patient demographics, comorbidities, AHI, T90 (percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation <90%), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, and CPAP adherence. Adherence was defined as CPAP use ≥4 hours per night for ≥70% of nights. Table 1Results Adherence at 14 days was 63% and 60% at 180 days, indicating relatively stable long-term usage. Mean ESS scores decreased over the study period, reflecting improvements in daytime sleepiness. These outcomes suggest that, in a cohort selected through specialist review, CPAP therapy is both clinically beneficial and well-tolerated in patients with mild OSA. Table 2Conclusion Specialist-led assessment, including Advanced Clinical Scientist input, may enhance engagement and support sustained CPAP adherence in patients with mild symptomatic OSA. Scientist-led sleep services could represent a valuable model for optimising treatment uptake and improving long-term patient outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore patient-centred strategies.Abstract P38 Table 1Baseline demographics of study groupTotal in Group (N=45)Age (y)Gender (m/f)Weight (kg)Height (cm)BMI (kg/m2)Collar size (cm)AHI (event/h)AHI supine (event/h)% of time in supineODI (event/h)PLMI (event/h)T-90 (hour/min)ESS48.44 ± 11.2416/2992.75 ± 20.76169.1 ± 8.8032.33 ± 7.0839.25 ± 4.329.35 ± 2.9813.61 ± 8.2948.20 ± 27.149.26 ± 2.9712.59 ± 20.360:07 ± 0:2510.19 ± 5.75Data presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Definitions of abbreviations: BMI = Body Mass Index, AHI= Apnoea/Hyponoea Index, ESS =Epworth Sleepiness Score (out of 24). AHI = Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index. ODI = Oxygen Desaturation Index. PLMI = Periodic Leg Movement Index. T-90 = Tim below 90%.Abstract P38 Table 2CPAP adherence at 14 days and 180 daysTotal in Group (N=45)Follow up 14 daysFollow up 180 daysAverage use in 24 hours (h/min)Average % >4 hours for 70% of the timeAHI (event/h)ESSAverage use in 24 hours (h/min)Average % >4 hours for 70% of the timeAHI (event/h)ESS04:31±2:4060.23±37.891.60±2.1010.72±5.265:32±2.0164.58±121.421.42±1.798.04±5.84Data presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Definitions of abbreviations: AHI = Apnoea/Hypopnoea Index. ESS =Epworth Sleepiness Score (out of 24).