Robotic beds for the treatment of positional obstructive sleep apnoea – a randomised cross-over pilot trial

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Positional interventions might be beneficial for patients with positional sleep apnoea (POSA). The aim was to assess the effect of&nbsp;intelligent sleep apnoea&nbsp;beds (ISABel) on OSA severity and sleep fragmentation in POSA. <b>Method:</b> Adults with POSA (apnoea-hypopnoea-index (AHI) ≥10/h) were eligible. Following a baseline polysomnography, patients were randomly allocated to intervention nights ISABel1 and ISABel2. In case of an apnoea or hypopnoea, ISABel1 elevated the upper body by 50° and ISABel2 induced a one-side bed-inclination of 30° for 10 minutes. Sustained trunk elevations (ISABel1) and position change from supine to non-supine (ISABel2) were successful interventions. <b>Results:</b> Six men were included. Neither trunk elevation nor side inclination resulted in a significant reduction in AHI. However, only 13% of side inclinations resulted in a successful change into non-supine position. Supine AHI tended to be lower in response to trunk elevations. Non-respiratory related arousals did not change. The time to the next respiratory event following bed movements was longer in ISABel1 than in ISABel2. <b>Conclusion:</b> Tilting beds might reduce supine AHI and prolong time to the next apnoea/hypopnoea. (*median±interquartile range)