EFFECTS OF EXPIRATORY POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE ON SLEEP-INDUCED RESPIRATORY ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERSOMNIA-SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME

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Abstract
To explore the efficacy of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) in the prevention of sleep-induced respiratory abnormalities, 9 patients with typical presentation of hypersomnia-sleep apnea syndrome were studied 1 wk apart, without and with 10 cm water of EPAP. EPAP significantly reduced apnea index (P < 0.01), maximal and mean duration of apneas (P < 0.01), and desaturation index (P < 0.001), and significantly improved mean and minimal O2 saturation (P < 0.01) and awake supine arterial O2 saturation (P < 0.01) in all 9 patients. EPAP significantly decreased the relative time spent in stages 1 and 2 NREM [non-rapid-eye-movement] sleep (P < 0.01), and increased the relative time spent in stages 3 and 4 NREM sleep (P < 0.01). EPAP reduces frequency and duration of apneas, and the degree of nocturnal O2 desaturation and improves sleep quality in patients with hypersomnia-sleep apnea syndrome.