UC researchers develop new CPAP device

By Cedric Ricks UC Communications An estimated 40 million adults in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic sleep-related breathing disorder that involves a decrease or complete halt in airflow. Continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP) is broadly considered first-line therapy for OSA.  CPAP technology is effective, but only if used regularly. Largely due to discomfort related to the mask and associated headgear required to maintain prescribed airway pressures by current devices, today’s CPAP is not well tolerated by patients. Noncompliance is estimated to impact at least a third of patients. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a VortexPAP machine that takes advantage of Vortex airflow technology. A preliminary clinical study with current CPAP users demonstrated that the VortexPAP can deliver the pressure levels that are used in the subjects’ CPAP therapy, but the mask is more comfortable to wear. It has a minimalistic design that is less intrusive and barely touches the patient’s face. “Despite the clinical efficacy for CPAP in controlling OSA, patient compliance with the therapy remains a major cause of treatment failure,” says Liran Oren, PhD, research associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at the UC...