Interventions of interest:

  • Home sleep testing
  • Polysomnography
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
  • Mandibular advancement devices (MADs)
  • Surgical procedures
  • Weight loss interventions

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic disorder, characterized by repetitive stops and starts in breathing during a night of sleep. As muscles in the throat relax, partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) blockage of the airway occurs, leading to symptoms such as snoring, gasping or choking. Other nighttime events associated with intermittent breathing interruptions include decreased oxygen saturation and arousals from sleep. Consequences of OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, chronic fatigue and insomnia. Long-term health problems associated with OSA include cardiovascular disease (increased risk of heart failure and stroke), ocular disorders such as glaucoma, memory and cognitive problems, and changes in mood or development of depression.

The CEPAC confirmed the strength of evidence supporting the use of home sleep testing in the diagnosis of OSA in adults.

Date of Review: December 2012

For questions or additional information, please contact info@icer.org

Final Documents

Below you will find the final documents from the assessment review process:

“As at our previous meetings, CEPAC members tackled a clinical area involving multiple diagnosis and treatment options about which there are important concerns regarding comparative effectiveness and value. CEPAC’s goal remains providing evidence-based, actionable information to key decision makers in the healthcare system.  The final meeting report and Action Guide highlight the steps policymakers, patients, and clinicians can take to ensure patients with OSA are getting patient-centered, high quality, high value care.”