Effects of Humidity (During CPAP Treatment) on Mucociliary Clearance in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Effects of nCPAP With and Without Humidification on: Inspiratory Temperature, Humidity, Saccharine Transit Time, Nasal Lavage and in Vitro Mucus Properties in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

That the level of humidification delivered to patients during CPAP treatment will alter the subjects mucociliary clearance rate and related mucus properties.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea - Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 15
• 75% of events during the diagnostic study must be obstructive

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently using CPAP treatment OR have used it in the past 4 weeks
• Intolerance of CPAP and/or CPAP mask in the past or during the titration night
• Mouth breather (unable to breath through mouth for the study period)
• < 18years old
• Nasal CPAP intolerance determined in the PSG-CPAP titration study
• Serious nasal issues
• Acute upper airway disease
• Smoker
• COPD
• Congestive heart failure
• Neuromuscular disease
• Stroke