Nasal Decongestion and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Does Nasal Decongestion Improve Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

Whether impaired nasal breathing contributes to sleep related breathing disturbances has not been known. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to compare the effect of xylometazoline, a drug that decongests the nasal mucosa when applied locally, with placebo in terms of sleep and nocturnal breathing and daytime performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (excessive sleepiness, apnea/hypopnea index >10/h)
• Chronic nasal congestion (complaint of impaired nasal breathing that interfered with subjective sleep quality on at least 3 nights per week during at least the last 3 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Nasal surgery within the last 6 months
• Current treatment with nasal decongestants or topical steroids
• Sleep disorders other than obstructive sleep apnea
• Internal medical or psychiatric disorders that interfered with sleep