Lateral decubitus posture during sleep: Sub-groups of obstructive sleep apnea patients - Therapeutic value of vertical position in OSA

Abstract

The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is steadily increasing, but to date there is no efficacious universal treatment. Therefore, measures that ameliorate this condition need special attention. Avoidance of sleep in the supine (horizontal) position has a positive influence on frequency and severity of OSA. OSA patients are "Responders" when they respond to positional therapeutic measure, while those in whom sleeping vertically does not result in lowering of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) are "Non-Responders". The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of apnea and hypopnea in responders and non-responders. One hundred and seven adult OSA patients with varying AHI, i.e. from 5 to 1..