High Flow Nasal Cannula as a Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

High Flow Nasal Cannula as a Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A single center, prospective study to assess the efficacy of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in improving obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) parameters in patients with reduced tolerance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.

A single center, prospective study. The study would include 30 patients diagnosed within the past 2 years with moderate to severe OSA (AHI>=15) at the Rabin Medical Center (RMC) sleep lab, and who are intolerant to CPAP treatment. Following signing an informed consent form, these patients would undergo polysomnography (PSG) while treated with HFNC. The HFNC PSG outcome measures will be compared to the baseline PSG done within the past 2 years and to an additional PSG while connected to a CPAP device.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years
• Confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, diagnosed at RMC sleep lab in the past 2 years
• Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI)≥15
• Patient has difficulties to adjust or comply with CPAP treatment
• Signed Informed Consent Form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who need bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP)
• Known carbon dioxide (CO2) retainers
• Weight change>10% compared to time of OSA diagnosis
• Clinically unstable patients
• Pregnant women or special populations (e.g. children or patients unable to give informed consent)