Efficacy of Telemonitoring With CPAP in Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Primary Health Care
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive, and psychological complications. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA; however, long-term adherence remains a major challenge, particularly in real-world primary care settings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telemonitoring using CPAP devices in improving treatment adherence and clinical outcomes among patients with severe OSA receiving care within the Brazilian Primary Health Care system. This randomized controlled trial will include 200 adult participants with severe OSA who are new users of CPAP therapy and are followed by primary health care units in the Southeast Regional Health Coordination of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: a telemonitoring intervention group, monitored remotely through the AirView® platform and the myAir® application, and a control group receiving standard care without telemonitoring. Primary outcomes include CPAP adherence and residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes include daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, mood, cognitive complaints, and patient perceptions of care. Quantitative clinical data will be collected through CPAP telemonitoring systems and standardized questionnaires, while qualitative data will be obtained through semi-structured interviews with patients and health professionals. The results of this study may provide evidence supporting the integration of digital health technologies into primary health care services to improve adherence to CPAP therapy and optimize the management of obstructive sleep apnea in public health systems.
• Age between 18 and 75 years.
• Diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) confirmed by polysomnography with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥30 events/hour.
• New CPAP users (≤30 days since initiation of CPAP therapy).
• Resident within the coverage area of the Southeast Regional Health Coordination (CRS Sudeste), São Paulo, Brazil.
• Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form.