Up to 60% of patients with heart failure show abnormal patterns of breathing (sleep disordered breathing (SDB)) at night which can increase the risk of recurrent admissions and have important prognostic implications. SDB is however, treatable with the use of non invasive breathing support devices such as the adaptive servo ventilation (ASV) device. The aim of the study is to observe and investigate the potential role of ASV in the management of heart failure.

Patients that agree to participate in this study will be requested to use an ASV ventilator device (called the AutoSet CS-A) to help their SDB for approximately 6 weeks. The device is approximately the size of a large shoe box, which can be placed at the side of the bed, with tubing and a mask. At night, the mask is placed over the nose and/or mouth and it blows positive air pressure as determined by the device itself as it constantly monitors the patients breathing throughout the night. During this study, the patients breathing patterns will be monitored non-invasively using the ApneaLink device. A non-contact device knows as a SleepMinder will sit on the patients bedside locker as another form of monitoring of their sleep patterns. Study staff will monitor the patient and give them frequent support, and they will also be asked questions regarding their experiences with this equipment and any symptoms they may have over this time. They will be followed up regarding this study at the same time as their follow-up requirements for their heart failure. This study will be conducted in total over 3 months.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) is reported as the most effective treatment for SDB in HF and has been shown to improve cardiac function in patients with HF coexistent with SDB. ASV may also be an effective therapeutic option for patients with HF regardless of presence or severity of SDB.

The aim of the study is to investigate the potential role for ASV in improving the management of ADHF in the acute hospital phase and reducing complications in the vulnerable post discharge period. This is an observational study of forty patients admitted to hospital with ADHF.

In this clinical investigation, the ApneaLinkTM Plus device will measure patient respiratory nasal airflow, snoring, blood oxygen saturation, pulse and respiratory effort during sleep. The research participant will be connected to the device during their inpatient hospitalisation as soon as they are stabilised off oxygen. These recordings will aid the diagnosis of SDB for further clinical investigation.

The S9 Autoset CS-A system will be evaluated to determine whether ASV has beneficial effects on the cardiac function of patients with ADHF. During an in-patient run-in phase, the patients tolerability to ASV therapy will be assessed and if tolerated well, the patient will continue with this therapy following discharge for 45 days.

The SleepMinder sensor device will monitor the sleep and breathing patterns of the participants as they sleep, and in doing so, sleep apnoeas will be detected. Each patient will monitor their weight daily using a Precision Personal Health Scales for 90 days. Finally, a questionnaire will be completed by the patient which allows them to self-report their HF symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Admitted to the hospital with a primary diagnosis of ADHF
• Stable off oxygen for 24 hours
• Informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years

• Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers

• Anyone not capable of giving informed consent

• Contraindications to positive airway pressure:

  • Severe bullous lung disease
  • Dehydration
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • Acute sinusitis or otitis media
  • Epistaxis (severe nose bleeds) causing a risk of pulmonary aspiration
  • Conditions predisposing to a risk of vomiting into mask
  • Impaired ability to clear secretions
  • Hypotension (defined as systolic BP < 100mmHg) or significant intravascular volume depletion
  • Pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum
  • Recent cranial trauma or surgery.

Patients admitted into hospital for acute management of ADHF are eligible to participate in this study (providing inclusion/exclusion criteria are met)