When to suspect OSAHS

1.1.1.

Take a sleep history and assess people for OSAHS if they have 2 or more of the following features:

• snoring
• witnessed apnoeas
• unrefreshing sleep
• waking headaches
• unexplained excessive sleepiness, tiredness or fatigue
• nocturia (waking from sleep to urinate)
• choking during sleep
• sleep fragmentation or insomnia
• cognitive dysfunction or memory impairment.

1.1.2.

Be aware that there is a higher prevalence of OSAHS in people with any of the following conditions:

• obesity or overweight
• obesity or overweight in pregnancy
• treatment-resistant hypertension
• type 2 diabetes
• cardiac arrythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation
• stroke or transient ischaemic attack
• chronic heart failure
• moderate or severe asthma
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• Down’s syndrome
• non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (sudden loss of vision in 1 eye due to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve)
• hypothyroidism
• acromegaly.

Assessment scales for suspected OSAHS

1.1.3.

When assessing people with suspected OSAHS:

• Use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the preliminary assessment of sleepiness.
• Consider using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire as well as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

1.1.4.

Do not use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale alone to determine if referral is needed, because not all people with OSAHS have excessive sleepiness.

Lifestyle advice alone for mild OSAHS

1.5.1.

Explain to people with mild OSAHS who have no symptoms or with symptoms that do not affect usual daytime activities that:

• treatment is not usually needed and
• changes to lifestyle and sleep habits (see recommendation 1.4.1 on lifestyle advice) can help to prevent OSAHS from worsening.

Continuous positive airway pressure for mild OSAHS

Recommendation 1.5.2 updates recommendation 1.2 in NICE’s technology appraisal guidance on continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

1.5.2.

For people with mild OSAHS who have symptoms that affect their quality of life and usual daytime activities, offer fixed-level continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP):

• at the same time as lifestyle advice if they have any of the priority factors listed in recommendation 1.2.2 or
• if lifestyle advice alone has been unsuccessful or is considered inappropriate.

1.5.3.

For people with mild OSAHS having CPAP:

• Offer telemonitoring with CPAP for up to 12 months.
• Consider using telemonitoring beyond 12 months.

1.5.4.

Consider auto-CPAP as an alternative to fixed-level CPAP in people with mild OSAHS if:

• high pressure is needed only for certain times during sleep or
• they are unable to tolerate fixed-level CPAP or
• telemonitoring cannot be used for technological reasons or
• auto-CPAP is available at the same or lower cost than fixed-level CPAP, and this price is guaranteed for an extended period of time.

1.5.5.

Consider heated humidification for people with mild OSAHS having CPAP who have upper airway side effects, such as nasal and mouth dryness, and CPAP-induced rhinitis.

Reducing the risk of transmission of infection when using CPAP

1.5.6.

Be aware that CPAP is an aerosol-generating procedure and, if there is a risk of airborne infection, such as COVID-19, appropriate infection control precautions should be taken. These may include setting up the device at home by video consultation or with precautions in hospital.

For more information, see the UK government guidance on COVID-19: infection prevention and control and local guidance.

Mandibular advancement splints for mild OSAHS

1.5.7.

If a person with mild OSAHS and symptoms that affect their usual daytime activities is unable to tolerate or declines to try CPAP, consider a customised or semi-customised mandibular advancement splint as an alternative to CPAP if they:

• are aged 18 and over and
• have optimal dental and periodontal health.

1.5.8.

Be aware that semi-customised mandibular advancement splints may be inappropriate for people with:

• active periodontal disease or untreated dental decay
• few or no teeth
• generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

CPAP for moderate and severe OSAHS

CPAP is recommended as a treatment option for adults with moderate or severe symptomatic OSAHS in NICE’s technology appraisal guidance on continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

1.6.1.

Offer fixed-level CPAP, in addition to lifestyle advice, to people with moderate or severe OSAHS.

1.6.2.

For people with moderate or severe OSAHS having CPAP:

• Offer telemonitoring with CPAP for up to 12 months.
• Consider using telemonitoring beyond 12 months.

1.6.3.

Consider auto-CPAP as an alternative to fixed-level CPAP in people with moderate or severe OSAHS if:

• high pressure is needed only for certain times during sleep or
• they are unable to tolerate fixed-level CPAP or
• telemonitoring cannot be used for technological reasons or
• auto-CPAP is available at the same or lower cost than fixed-level CPAP, and this price is guaranteed for an extended period of time.

1.6.4.

Consider heated humidification for people with moderate or severe OSAHS having CPAP who have upper airway side effects such as nasal and mouth dryness, and CPAP-induced rhinitis.

Reducing the risk of transmission of infection when using CPAP

1.6.5.

Be aware that CPAP is an aerosol-generating procedure and, if there is a risk of airborne infection, such as COVID-19, appropriate infection control precautions should be taken. These may include setting up the device at home by video consultation or with precautions in hospital.

For more information, see the UK government guidance on COVID-19: infection prevention and control and local guidance.

Mandibular advancement splints for moderate and severe OSAHS

1.6.6.

If a person with moderate or severe OSAHS is unable to tolerate or declines to try CPAP, consider a customised or semi-customised mandibular advancement splint as an alternative to CPAP if they:

• are aged 18 and over and
• have optimal dental and periodontal health.

1.6.7.

Be aware that semi-customised mandibular advancement splints may be inappropriate for people with:

• active periodontal disease or untreated dental decay
• few or no teeth
• generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

Positional modifiers for OSAHS

1.7.1.

Consider a positional modifier for people with mild or moderate positional OSAHS if other treatments are unsuitable or not tolerated.

1.7.2.

Be aware that positional modifiers are unlikely to be effective in severe OSAHS.

Surgery for OSAHS

1.7.3.

Consider tonsillectomy for people with OSAHS who have large obstructive tonsils and a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 kg/m².

1.7.4.

Consider referral for assessment for oropharyngeal surgery in people with severe OSAHS who have been unable to tolerate CPAP and a customised mandibular advancement splint despite medically supervised attempts.

Follow-up for people using CPAP

1.9.2.

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of telemonitoring data (if available), to people with OSAHS having CPAP. This should include:

• an initial consultation within 1 month and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs and until optimal control of symptoms and apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) or oxygen desaturation index (ODI) is achieved.

1.9.3.

Once CPAP is optimised, consider annual follow-up for people with OSAHS.

1.9.4.

Offer people with OSAHS having CPAP access to a sleep service for advice, support and equipment between follow-up appointments.

Follow-up for people using mandibular advancement splints

1.9.5.

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of downloads from the device (if available), to people with OSAHS using a mandibular advancement splint. This should include:

• initial follow-up to review adjustment of the device and symptom improvement at 3 months and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs and until optimal control of symptoms and AHI or ODI is achieved.

Follow-up for people using positional modifiers

1.9.6.

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of downloads from the device (if available), to people with OSAHS using a positional modifier.

This should include:

• an initial consultation within 3 months and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs until optimal control of symptoms and AHI or ODI is achieved.

Follow-up for people who have had surgery

1.9.7.

Offer people with OSAHS who have had surgery:

• an initial follow-up consultation with respiratory polygraphy within 3 months of the operation and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs.

Follow-up for drivers with excessive sleepiness

1.9.8.

Ensure follow-up is in line with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency guidance on assessing fitness to drive.

Monitoring treatment efficacy

1.9.9.

Assess the effectiveness of treatment with CPAP, mandibular advancement splints and positional modifiers in people with OSAHS by reviewing the following:

• OSAHS symptoms, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and vigilance, for example, when driving
• severity of OSAHS, using AHI or ODI
• adherence to therapy
• telemonitoring data or download information from the device (if available).

1.9.10.

Explore with people using CPAP their understanding and experience of treatment, and review the following:

• mask type and fit, including checking for leaks
• nasal or mouth dryness, and the need for humidification
• other factors affecting sleep disturbance such as insomnia, restless legs and shift work
• sleep hygiene
• cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

1.9.11.

Consider stopping treatment if OSAHS may have resolved, for example, with significant weight loss. After at least 2 weeks without treatment:

• re-evaluate any return of symptoms and
• consider a sleep study.

When to suspect OHS

2.1.1.

Take a sleep history and assess people for OHS if they have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more with:

• features of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS; see recommendation 1.1.1) or
• features of nocturnal hypoventilation such as:

  –

  waking headaches

  –

  peripheral oedema

  –

  hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen saturation less than 94% on air)

  –

  unexplained polycythaemia.

Assessment scales for suspected OHS

2.1.2.

Use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the preliminary assessment of sleepiness in people with suspected OHS.

2.1.3.

Do not use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale alone to determine if referral is needed, because not all people with OHS have excessive sleepiness.

Diagnosing OHS and assessing ventilatory failure

2.3.1.

Consider measuring serum venous bicarbonate as a preliminary test if the pre-test probability of OHS is low. If bicarbonate levels are below 27 mmol/litre, OHS is unlikely.

2.3.2.

Measure arterial or arterialised capillary blood gases when the person with suspected OHS is awake, to diagnose OHS and assess the extent of chronic ventilatory failure.

2.3.3.

Do not delay treatment for acute ventilatory failure to carry out further investigations for OHS.

Diagnosing the presence of OSAHS or nocturnal hypoventilation in people with OHS

2.3.4.

Offer respiratory polygraphy, either in hospital or at home, to determine the presence of OSAHS in people with suspected OHS.

2.3.5.

Consider adding transcutaneous CO₂ monitoring during sleep to respiratory polygraphy in people with suspected OHS to determine the extent of nocturnal hypoventilation and provide additional information to guide treatment.

2.3.6.

Do not use oximetry alone to determine the presence of OSAHS in people with OHS.

CPAP and non-invasive ventilation

Oxygen therapy

2.5.8.

Consider supplemental oxygen therapy with CPAP or non-invasive ventilation for people with OHS who remain hypoxaemic despite optimal control of nocturnal hypoventilation and AHI on CPAP or non-invasive ventilation, and address any additional underlying causes of hypoxaemia where possible.

Follow-up for people using CPAP or non-invasive ventilation

2.7.2.

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of telemonitoring data (if available), to people with OHS having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP. This should include:

• an initial consultation within 1 month and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs and until optimal control of symptoms, AHI or ODI, oxygenation and hypercapnia is achieved.

2.7.3.

When non-invasive ventilation or CPAP (with or without oxygen therapy) has been optimised for people with OHS and their symptoms are controlled, consider 6-monthly to annual follow-up according to the person’s needs.

2.7.4.

Offer people with OHS having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP access to a sleep and ventilation service for advice, support and equipment between followup appointments.

Follow-up for drivers with excessive sleepiness

2.7.5.

Ensure follow-up is in line with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency guidance on assessing fitness to drive.

Monitoring treatment efficacy for people with OHS

2.7.6.

Assess the effectiveness of treatment with CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in people with OHS by reviewing the following:

• OHS symptoms, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and vigilance, for example, when driving
• severity of OSAHS, using AHI or ODI
• improvement in oxygenation and hypercapnia while awake and asleep
• adherence to therapy
• telemonitoring or download information from the device (if available).

2.7.7.

Explore with the person their understanding and experience of treatment, and review the following:

• mask type and fit, including checking for leaks
• nasal and mouth dryness, and the need for humidification
• other factors affecting sleep disturbance such as insomnia, restless legs and shift work
• sleep hygiene
• cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

2.7.8.

For people with OHS having supplemental oxygen therapy, review whether this is still needed after treatment with non-invasive ventilation or CPAP has been optimised.

When to suspect COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome

3.1.1.

Take a sleep history and assess people for COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome if they have confirmed COPD with:

• features of OSAHS (see recommendation 1.1.1) or
• features of nocturnal hypoventilation such as:

  –

  waking headaches

  –

  peripheral oedema

  –

  hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen saturation less than 94% on air)

  –

  unexplained polycythaemia.

Assessment scales and tests for suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome

3.1.2.

When assessing people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome:

• Use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the preliminary assessment of sleepiness.
• Consider using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, as well as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

3.1.3.

Do not use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale alone to determine if referral is needed, because not all people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome have excessive sleepiness.

3.1.4.

Offer spirometry to assess the severity of COPD in people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome (see the recommendations on spirometry in NICE’s guideline on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s).

Reducing the risk of transmission of infection when using spirometry

3.1.5.

Be aware that spirometry is an aerosol-generating procedure and, if there is a risk of airborne infection, such as COVID-19, appropriate infection control precautions should be taken.

For more information, see the UK government guidance on COVID-19: infection prevention and control and local guidance.

Diagnosing ventilatory failure

3.3.1.

Measure arterial or arterialised capillary blood gas when the person with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome is awake, to assess for ventilatory failure.

3.3.2.

Do not delay treatment for acute ventilatory failure to carry out further investigations for COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

Diagnosing OSAHS or nocturnal hypoventilation in people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome

3.3.3.

Offer respiratory polygraphy, either in hospital or at home, to diagnose OSAHS in people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

3.3.4.

Consider adding transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring during sleep to respiratory polygraphy to provide additional information to guide treatment.

3.3.5.

Do not use oximetry alone to diagnose OSAHS or nocturnal hypoventilation in people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

CPAP and non-invasive ventilation

3.5.1.

Consider continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as first-line treatment for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome if they do not have severe hypercapnia (PaCO₂ of 7.0 kPa or less).

3.5.2.

Consider non-invasive ventilation instead of CPAP for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome with nocturnal hypoventilation if they have severe hypercapnia (PaCO₂ greater than 7.0 kPa).

3.5.3.

Consider heated humidification in addition to CPAP for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome and upper airway side effects such as nasal and mouth dryness, and CPAP-induced rhinitis.

Reducing the risk of transmission of infection when using CPAP or non-invasive ventilation

3.5.4.

Be aware that CPAP and non-invasive ventilation are aerosol-generating procedures and, if there is a risk of airborne infection, such as COVID-19, appropriate infection control precautions should be taken. These may include setting up the device at home by video consultation or with precautions in hospital.

For more information, see NICE’s guideline on community-based care of patients with COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government guidance on COVID-19: infection prevention and control and local guidance.

Oxygen therapy

3.5.5.

Consider supplemental oxygen for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome if hypoxaemia persists once control of apnoea and nocturnal hypoventilation has been optimised by CPAP or non-invasive ventilation, and address any additional underlying causes of hypoxaemia where possible.

Follow-up for people using CPAP or non-invasive ventilation

3.7.2.

Offer face-to-face, video or phone consultations, including review of telemonitoring data (if available), to people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP. This should include:

• an initial consultation within 1 month and
• subsequent follow-up according to the person’s needs and until optimal control of symptoms, apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) or oxygen desaturation index (ODI), oxygenation and hypercapnia is achieved.

3.7.3.

When non-invasive ventilation or CPAP (with or without oxygen therapy) has been optimised for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome and their symptoms are controlled, consider 6-monthly to annual follow-up according to the person’s needs.

3.7.4.

Offer people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome having non-invasive ventilation or CPAP access to a sleep and ventilation service for advice, support and equipment between follow-up appointments.

Follow-up for drivers with excessive sleepiness

3.7.5.

Ensure follow-up is in line with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency guidance on assessing fitness to drive.

Monitoring treatment efficacy for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome

3.7.6.

Assess the effectiveness of treatment with CPAP or non-invasive ventilation in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome by reviewing the following:

• symptoms of OSAHS and nocturnal hypoventilation, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and vigilance, for example, when driving
• severity of OSAHS, using AHI or ODI
• improvement in oxygenation and hypercapnia while awake and asleep
• adherence to therapy
• telemonitoring or download information from the device (if available).

3.7.7.

Explore with the person their understanding and experience of treatment, and review the following:

• mask type and fit, including checking for leaks
• nasal and mouth dryness, and need for humidification
• other factors affecting sleep disturbance such as insomnia, restless legs and shift work
• sleep hygiene
• cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

3.7.8.

Be aware that some symptoms associated with COPD such as cough and wheeze, and certain medications such as theophyllines, may adversely affect sleep quality.

3.7.9.

For people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome having supplemental oxygen therapy, review whether this is still needed after treatment with non-invasive ventilation or CPAP has been optimised.

3.7.10.

Consider stopping CPAP or non-invasive ventilation and using a symptom-management approach for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome who have severe COPD if, despite treatment optimisation, CPAP or non-invasive ventilation does not improve their symptoms or quality of life, or adds to the burden of therapy.

1. Auto- versus fixed-level CPAP for OSAHS

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of auto- and fixed-level continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for managing mild obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS)?

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of auto- and fixed-level continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for managing moderate and severe OSAHS?

2. Interventions to improve CPAP adherence

Which interventions, including behavioural interventions, are most clinically and cost effective to improve adherence to CPAP in people with OSAHS, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and COPD–OSAHS (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–OSAHS) overlap syndrome who have difficulty using CPAP?

3. Mandibular advancement splints for mild symptomatic OSAHS and moderate OSAHS

In mild symptomatic OSAHS, which clinical and physiological phenotypes predict treatment response to customised mandibular advancement splints?

In moderate OSAHS, which clinical and physiological phenotypes predict treatment response to customised mandibular advancement splints?

4. Mandibular advancement splints for severe OSAHS

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of mandibular advancement splints for managing severe OSAHS?

5. Treatment for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome

What is the optimal treatment for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome: non-invasive ventilation or CPAP?

Upper airway surgery in people unable to tolerate or adhere to CPAP

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of upper airway surgical interventions for people with OSAHS who are unable to tolerate or adhere to CPAP?

Oxygen therapy for OSAHS

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of nocturnal oxygen compared with placebo in people with OSAHS who are unable to tolerate CPAP?

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence for identifying who to assess for obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), so the committee also used their clinical knowledge and experience to make the recommendations.

The committee agreed that, after taking a sleep history, further assessment for OSAHS should be carried out in people presenting with common symptoms and features of OSAHS, such as unexplained excessive sleepiness, snoring, apnoeas observed during sleep and choking during sleep, but that a broader range of symptoms should also be recognised, such as sleep fragmentation, insomnia, and fatigue in people without excessive sleepiness. The committee agreed that a single symptom alone, such as snoring, is not sufficient for further investigation and that 2 or more features should be identified to warrant assessment. Based on evidence and experience, the committee listed conditions associated with OSAHS that should alert healthcare professionals to the possibility of OSAHS.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations aim to raise awareness of symptoms and associated conditions that should raise suspicion of OSAHS, as well as prompting assessment. This could increase the number of people being assessed and referred to sleep services.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is intended to assess for sleepiness rather than to diagnose OSAHS, and the limited evidence reflected this, showing that it performed poorly both for sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing OSAHS. The committee noted that some people with OSAHS do not have excessive sleepiness and that not all healthcare professionals are aware of this. However, they agreed that it has a useful role in assessment and monitoring, and noted that when healthcare professionals are requested by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to complete assessment of a driver with OSAHS, this includes the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. They therefore agreed that it should be used, but not as the sole means of assessing the presence of OSAHS or as the sole basis for referral.

Limited evidence showed that the STOP-Bang Questionnaire had high sensitivity and low specificity for diagnosing OSAHS. Sensitivity is a priority for questionnaires used for initial assessment. The committee had some concerns about its accuracy in people with less common presentations and in women, but agreed that it could have a role in assessment alongside the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to inform the preliminary understanding of the person’s symptoms and concerns. The Epworth questionnaire is used to assess only sleepiness whereas the STOP-Bang Questionnaire is used to assess risk of having OSAHS and includes parameters such as snoring, tiredness, history of high blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), age, neck size and gender. With this in mind, the committee agreed that the Epworth questionnaire should be used and the STOP-Bang Questionnaire could also be considered for initial assessment.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommended questionnaires are widely used in current practice, so the recommendations are not expected to involve a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence available on who to prioritise for assessment in a sleep service, and the committee noted that service provision and waiting times vary across sleep services and regions in England. Therefore, the committee used their knowledge and experience to identify groups that would benefit most from prompt assessment and treatment.

The committee agreed that sleep services should prioritise access to a sleep study and treatment for people in whom vigilance and alertness are vital to occupational safety, particularly those with problematic sleepiness, and to people with pre-existing conditions who are at increased risk of adverse events. They agreed that sleep services should aim to fast-track priority groups to be seen as soon as possible.

The committee discussed the effect of OSAHS on work performance and safety, and how it could increase the risk of work accidents in safety-sensitive occupations. People with a wide range of jobs or activities could be affected, for example, drivers, train drivers, pilots, heavy machinery operators, surgeons and people caring for vulnerable children or adults. The committee noted that DVLA guidance on assessing fitness to drive recommends that drivers with suspected or confirmed OSAHS and excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse impact on driving must not drive until there is satisfactory symptom control. Control of symptoms is likely to need assessment and treatment from a sleep specialist.

The committee noted that untreated OSAHS is recognised as a risk factor for treatment-resistant hypertension and recurrence of atrial flutter in people who have had treatment with ablative therapy. Therefore, it was agreed that people with unstable cardiovascular disease should be prioritised because of the risks of worsening cardiovascular disease or adverse events.

The committee agreed that priority should be given to pregnant women because OSAHS in pregnancy is associated with increased risks for the mother and baby.

The committee agreed that people with a high probability of OSAHS who need major surgery should be prioritised to avoid delaying surgery.

The committee also agreed that the risk of sudden blindness in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy warrants priority assessment because of its possible association with OSAHS.

To ensure that people are prioritised appropriately by sleep services and to allow fast-tracking directly to a sleep study, the committee agreed on key details, based on their experience, that should be included in referral letters.

How the recommendations might affect practice

In current practice, specific groups are not always prioritised for assessment, so there is likely to be a change in practice for some providers. There is increasing pressure on sleep services, and offering higher priority to some groups may delay sleep studies for other people. Planning for and providing rapid-access sleep studies may help to reduce the pressure on services, with triage of referrals allowing people to be fast-tracked directly to a diagnostic study.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The evidence on diagnostic tests for OSAHS was not consistent. The studies reviewed looked at diagnostic devices with a variety of monitoring channels and included different patient groups. The committee also noted that diagnostic equipment has evolved and improved over time. The committee used their clinical knowledge and experience supported by the published evidence and by the economic model developed for this guideline to make the recommendations.

Home respiratory polygraphy was more cost effective than both hospital (inpatient) respiratory polygraphy and home oximetry. The committee noted that respiratory polygraphy has the added benefit of aiding the diagnosis of other conditions such as central sleep apnoea and nocturnal hypoventilation and it is better than oximetry alone in identifying artefacts in the recordings.

The use of oximetry alone, or oximetry followed by home respiratory polygraphy if initial oximetry is negative, was less cost effective than initial home respiratory polygraphy. However, diagnostic strategies incorporating oximetry are still used in practice, for example, by services with limited availability of home polygraphy equipment, and the committee recognised that it might take time and significant resources to change practice. They noted that when suspicion of OSAHS is low, a normal oximetry result can provide further evidence to rule out diagnosis. The committee agreed that oximetry could still be an option and that this would help to avoid unacceptable delays in diagnosis where there is a lack of access to home respiratory polygraphy.

The committee also highlighted the potential problems of relying on oximetry for diagnosis. Oximetry may be particularly inaccurate in people with conditions such as heart failure or chronic lung disease, which can result in desaturation without the presence of OSAHS, although they agreed that a negative test result is still useful. In addition, oximetry cannot reliably distinguish between obstructive or central apnoeas and nocturnal hypoventilation, which is important to help determine treatment.

The option to do the sleep study in hospital was also considered important by the committee. Hospital polygraphy may sometimes be needed when investigating alternative diagnoses alongside OSAHS, because extra monitoring channels can be used. It might also be an option if home respiratory polygraphy or home oximetry are impractical, for example, for people who need help with the monitoring equipment, or who need to travel long distances to pick up and return devices, or when a number of inpatient investigations need to be combined.

The committee agreed that further investigation with polysomnography, which is more accurate and more expensive than respiratory polygraphy, should be an option to provide more detail on sleep fragmentation and respiratory events for people with symptoms of OSAHS who have a negative respiratory polygraphy or oximetry result but continue to have suggestive symptoms. This may help distinguish between OSAHS and other disorders such as narcolepsy, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, periodic limb movement disorders, idiopathic hypersomnolence or parasomnias, which are suspected as a more likely diagnosis for the person’s symptoms; or help diagnose these disorders when they are suspected in addition to OSAHS.

How the recommendations might affect practice

Current practice is variable, with some sleep services offering oximetry as the first-line test and others offering home respiratory polygraphy. The recommendations will reduce this variation by encouraging the use of home respiratory polygraphy over home oximetry. Some services will need to provide more home respiratory polygraphy equipment and fewer home oximetry devices, but improved testing should lead to fewer repeat tests and optimal treatment. The option to use home oximetry as an alternative to respiratory polygraphy will lessen the impact on resources as practice changes.

The use of polysomnography for those who still have symptoms despite negative respiratory polygraphy results reflects current practice for this small population.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendation

Evidence for lifestyle advice was not reviewed because it is covered by other NICE guidelines.

The committee agreed that all people with OSAHS should discuss lifestyle changes with their healthcare professional. This should be tailored to the person’s needs and the chosen treatment method. It may include advice on weight loss, preventing excess weight gain, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake, as appropriate.

Lifestyle changes are important because obesity increases the prevalence and severity of OSAHS, smoking causes upper airway inflammation (which can exacerbate symptoms), and excess alcohol before sleep reduces upper airway tone (increasing apnoeas) and reduces sleep quality. Advice on sleep hygiene may include ensuring adequate sleep time, avoiding caffeine and stimulants that interfere with sleep before bedtime, exercising regularly, having a quiet, comfortable, darkened bedroom, and winding down before sleep.

How the recommendation might affect practice

Lifestyle advice is widely used in current practice, so the recommendations are not expected to involve a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

How the recommendations might affect practice

Some people with mild OSAHS currently use CPAP, for example, people with symptoms that affect their ability to do daily activities, and when other treatment options and lifestyle advice have been unsuccessful or are considered inappropriate. It is expected that there will be increased uptake of CPAP for mild OSAHS, and therefore a resource increase to the NHS from this recommendation, especially as the estimate of prevalence of mild OSAHS has increased, and more people are referred and diagnosed. Some sleep services currently using auto-CPAP may switch to fixed-level CPAP for new patients starting CPAP, which is likely to be cost saving.

Some people with mild OSAHS currently use mandibular advancement splints. Many of these will be less effective ready-made devices that people have bought themselves. It is expected that there will be increased uptake of semi-customised and customised mandibular advancement splints and therefore a resource increase from this recommendation. NHS provision of dental services producing mandibular advancement splints is currently limited. Mandibular advancement splints need replacing at regular intervals and people using them need follow-up to assess efficacy.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations for CPAP reflect current practice in most sleep services. Some sleep services currently using auto-CPAP may switch to fixed-level CPAP for new patients starting CPAP, which is likely to be cost saving.

It is expected that there will be increased uptake of customised and semi-customised mandibular advancement splints and therefore a resource increase from this recommendation. NHS provision of dental services producing mandibular advancement splints is currently limited. Mandibular advancement splints need replacing at regular intervals and people using them need follow-up to assess efficacy and dentition.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence on positional modifiers to treat OSAHS and the available studies were small with limited follow-up. The committee agreed that the evidence did not support their use as a first-choice treatment over CPAP and mandibular advancement splints in patients with mild or moderate positional OSAHS. However, there was some evidence of a reduction of OSAHS severity in supine sleep and an associated fall in the number of apnoeas compared with no treatment, with no evidence of adverse effects, so the committee agreed that they could be an option if other treatments were unsuccessful or not tolerated. It is estimated that more than half of people with OSAHS have positional OSAHS, so this recommendation will give more choice and offer an alternative option for the many people who find CPAP and mandibular advancement splints difficult to tolerate or unsuitable.

The committee did not support the use of positional modifiers in people with severe OSAHS, because these people usually continue to have obstructive events even when lying on their side. The committee were also aware of evidence that suggested an increase in the number of apnoeas with the use of positional modifiers in this population.

The studies looked at a variety of different positional modifiers, including the tennis ball technique and an electronic sleep position trainer, but the committee noted that that they did not include other devices such as lumbar or abdominal binders, semi-rigid backpacks and full-length pillows. The committee agreed that the evidence for different types of positional modifiers was insufficient to recommend a specific device.

The committee did not make a research recommendation because it was aware of several relevant research trials already in progress.

How the recommendations might affect practice

Positional modifiers are not used commonly in current practice so the recommendation would involve a change in practice by most providers. Currently people tend to buy their own positional devices, often after not tolerating CPAP or mandibular advancement splints. However, it is only an option if CPAP and mandibular advancement splints are unsuccessful, so increased uptake of these devices and resource impact is likely to be small.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The evidence showed that oropharyngeal surgery (including tonsillectomy) was effective in some people with moderate or severe OSAHS.

Based on their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed that tonsillectomy should be prioritised in people with large obstructive tonsils, and that people with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or above are less likely to benefit from surgery because they are more likely to have multi-level upper airway obstruction. There was no direct evidence for people with mild OSAHS, but the committee agreed that tonsillectomy should be applicable to all severities when tonsils are clearly causing obstruction.

Based on the evidence and their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed that other types of oropharyngeal surgery could be an option for some people with severe OSAHS who have been unable to tolerate CPAP and a customised mandibular advancement splint. Although the evidence included people with moderate or severe OSAHS, most were in the severe category and the committee agreed that benefit was more likely in this group. There are no other treatment options for people with severe OSAHS who cannot tolerate CPAP and mandibular advancement splints, and the committee agreed that surgery for the right people would improve their quality of life. They noted that the economic analysis showed that this surgery could be cost effective if the treatment effects are maintained for 2.4 years or more. On that basis, the committee agreed that referral for oropharyngeal surgery is cost effective for carefully selected people with severe OSAHS who have been unable to tolerate other treatments.

The committee stressed that, before considering referral for surgery, people should have fully explored other treatment options under medical supervision for a sufficient period of time. The committee also noted the potential risks of surgical intervention in people with severe OSAHS, and stressed that a personalised approach to patient selection is needed. This includes an assessment of anaesthetic risk and of the type and extent of surgery, which is critical because the outcome will depend on the anatomical and physiological phenotype of OSAHS. They therefore made a recommendation for referral for surgical consideration rather than surgery itself, acknowledging that precise individual assessment by the surgical team would be needed.

Because of a lack of sufficient evidence, the committee did not make any recommendations for nasal or skeletal framework surgery. They made a research recommendation on upper airway surgical interventions for people with OSAHS who are unable to tolerate or adhere to CPAP, because there was limited evidence for the applicability of this approach.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendation for tonsillectomy is broadly in line with current practice.

People who are unable to tolerate or adhere to CPAP and mandibular advancement splints are not usually referred for oropharyngeal surgery, so there is likely to be a change in practice for some providers. This recommendation is likely to only affect a small minority of people with severe OSAHS that is not helped by other treatments, have few comorbidities and for whom surgery is a suitable option.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence to demonstrate the benefits of treating rhinitis. However, the committee agreed, based on their knowledge and experience, that treating rhinitis and other causes of nasal obstruction is important and may help people use CPAP more comfortably, and has a positive impact on sleep disorders. Changing the interface from a nasal to an orofacial mask and adding humidification can also help. The committee advised that current practice should be followed for initial treatment, and that referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist may be needed for further assessment of persistent symptoms.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current practice in most NHS centres, so there is likely to be little change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence on follow-up, so the committee also used their clinical knowledge and experience to make the recommendations.

The committee noted that CPAP is just one aspect of treatment for OSAHS, and that follow-up should be tailored to the person’s overall treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes (such as weight management, modifying use of sedative drugs and alcohol, and stopping smoking) and treating underlying lung disease and other comorbidities.

How the recommendations might affect practice

Current practice includes a mixture of face-to-face, phone and video consultations and telemonitoring. The increasing number of people being offered CPAP means that providing regular outpatient follow-up has become increasingly difficult. The use of telemonitoring may increase, which is likely to reduce the need for face-to-face consultations and may reduce pressure on outpatient clinics. Increasing web- and app-based access to telemonitoring data will allow patients to access their own results and will encourage self-management.

The committee noted that there has been a significant move to video and phone consultations to reduce the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this shift in practice is likely to persist.

The committee stressed that telemonitoring crucially involves feedback to patients, and time should be available for sleep service staff to review data, act on this and share with the person using CPAP. Current practice already includes ready access to advice and CPAP equipment from sleep services.

Recommendations on monitoring for positional modifiers, mandibular advancement splints and surgery are considered to be current practice in many areas and are not expected to lead to major changes in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available on the efficacy of treatment for OSAHS, so the recommendations are based on the committee’s knowledge and experience.

The effectiveness of treatment can be confirmed by control of symptoms and AHI or oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and uptake and adherence to therapy. The committee identified several factors that commonly cause problems with CPAP that should be routinely reviewed if treatment is not working. As well as assessing sleepiness, the committee agreed that vigilance should be assessed by discussing the person’s alertness and ability to concentrate on tasks. This is particularly important for drivers.

OSAHS may sometimes resolve, for example, because of weight loss or other lifestyle changes. The committee agreed that stopping treatment should be considered if this is suspected. If symptoms return, these will need to be re-evaluated. A sleep study may be needed to confirm whether OSAHS has resolved.

How the recommendations might affect practice

These recommendations reflect current practice and are not expected to lead to a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The committee considered behavioural, supportive and educational interventions and made recommendations based on the evidence and their experience.

The evidence suggested that all types of interventions to support adherence (educational, behavioural, supportive and mixed) increased CPAP use in people starting CPAP for the first time with moderate or severe OSAHS. There was no evidence available for people with mild OSAHS, but the committee agreed that these recommendations would be applicable to all people having treatment for OSAHS. The committee agreed that educational or supportive interventions, or a combination of these, provided by specialist staff, would help to improve adherence to CPAP.

Educational interventions include providing information about OSAHS, its treatment and outcomes, which can be delivered using a variety of different sessions and formats. Supportive interventions involve additional clinical follow-up (for example, extra clinic visits, video or teleconsultations or use of telemonitoring) to provide support. The nature of behavioural interventions varied widely, making it difficult to identify the most effective components. Therefore, the committee could not recommend any specific behavioural interventions.

Optimal adherence to CPAP therapy is conventionally considered to be 4 hours or more per night or using CPAP for an average of more than 4 hours per night for 70% or more nights. Early adherence studies focused on control of sleepiness but there is evidence that increased CPAP use of more than 5 hours a night in OSAHS benefits other aspects of health such as control of blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. However, it is recognised that people can gain some benefit from a shorter period of use, and individual response is variable. People should be encouraged to maximise their CPAP use to achieve optimal control of their symptoms, underlying conditions, sleep quality and quality of life.

There was no evidence available for improving adherence to mandibular advancement splint and positional modifiers in OSAHS. However, the committee agreed that evidence for improving adherence for CPAP could be applied to other treatments.

Because there was no evidence for people who have difficulty using CPAP, the committee made a research recommendation on interventions to improve CPAP adherence to inform future guidance.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect best practice, but current provision varies across NHS settings. Therefore, the recommendations will involve a change of practice for some providers.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendation

No evidence was available on identifying who to assess for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), so the recommendation is based on the committee’s knowledge and experience.

The committee agreed that further assessment for OHS should be carried out in people with obesity together with symptoms of OSAHS or features of nocturnal hypoventilation. These criteria were chosen because some people with OHS have OSAHS, some have nocturnal hypoventilation alone, and others have both. A low arterial oxygen saturation value or polycythaemia may be indicative of OHS, but raised PaCO₂ (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is needed for diagnosis (for more information, see the rationale and impact section on diagnostic tests for OHS).

How the recommendation might affect practice

In current practice, not all people with the listed symptoms and features are considered for further assessment for OHS, so this recommendation may result in a change of practice for most providers, leading to more testing and treatment. This will be magnified by the rising prevalence of obesity in the general population.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was found on assessment tools for suspected OHS, so the committee based the recommendation on their knowledge and experience. They agreed that the Epworth Sleepiness Scale has a useful role in monitoring and assessment of sleepiness in people with OHS. However, they noted that not all people with OHS have excessive sleepiness and that healthcare professionals may not always be aware of this.

The evidence for the STOP-Bang Questionnaire was limited to OSAHS only and there was no validation for its use in OHS. The committee agreed that the STOP-Bang Questionnaire is not used in practice for OHS, so they did not make a recommendation for this.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is widely used in current practice, so the recommendations are not expected to involve a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available for prioritising people with OHS for assessment in a sleep service, so the committee used their knowledge and experience to identify groups that would benefit most from prompt assessment and treatment.

The committee noted that people with a BMI over 30 kg/m² and severe hypercapnia or hypoxaemia should be prioritised because they have chronic ventilatory failure and are at risk of acute decompensated ventilatory failure, both of which carry a poor prognosis.

The committee agreed that sleep services should prioritise access to a sleep study and treatment for people in whom vigilance and alertness are vital to occupational safety, particularly those with problematic sleepiness, and to people with pre-existing conditions who are at increased risk of adverse events. They agreed that services should aim to fast-track priority groups to be seen as soon as possible.

The committee discussed the effect on work performance and safety for people with suspected OHS who also have OSAHS and how it could increase the risk of work accidents in safety-sensitive occupations. People with a wide range of jobs or activities could be affected, for example, drivers, train drivers, pilots, heavy machinery operators, surgeons and people caring for vulnerable children or adults. They noted that DVLA guidance on assessing fitness to drive recommends that drivers with suspected or confirmed OSAHS and excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse impact on driving must not drive until there is satisfactory symptom control. Control of symptoms is likely to need assessment and treatment from a sleep specialist.

The committee agreed that priority should be given to pregnant women, because uncontrolled OHS may adversely affect both the mother and baby.

The committee agreed that people with unstable cardiovascular disease should be offered early investigation and treatment, because cardiovascular complications are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in people with OHS.

The committee agreed that people with a high probability of OHS who need major surgery should be prioritised to avoid delaying surgery.

The committee also agreed that the risk of sudden blindness in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy warrants priority assessment because of its possible association with OHS.

To ensure that people are prioritised appropriately by sleep services, and to allow fast-tracking directly to a sleep study, the committee agreed on key details, based on their experience, that should be included in referral letters.

How the recommendations might affect practice

In current practice, specific groups are not always prioritised for assessment, so there is likely to be a change in practice for some providers. There is increasing pressure on sleep services, and offering higher priority to some groups may delay studies for other people. Planning for and providing rapid-access sleep studies may help to reduce the pressure on services, with triage of referrals allowing people to be fast-tracked directly to a diagnostic study.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The committee noted that OHS is defined by the presence of PaCO₂ greater than 6.0 kPa while awake in people with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more. There was no evidence for diagnostic tests to identify the presence of OSAHS or nocturnal hypoventilation in people with suspected OHS, so the committee also used their clinical knowledge and experience to make the recommendations.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current practice and would therefore not be expected to increase NHS cost.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendation

Evidence for lifestyle advice was not reviewed because it is covered by other NICE guidelines.

The committee agreed that all people with OHS should discuss lifestyle changes with their healthcare professional. This should focus on weight loss and be tailored to the person’s needs and the chosen treatment method.

Lifestyle changes are important because obesity increases the prevalence and severity of OHS, smoking causes upper airway inflammation (which can exacerbate symptoms), and excess alcohol before sleep reduces upper airway tone (increasing apnoeas) and reduces sleep quality. Advice on sleep hygiene may include ensuring adequate sleep time, avoiding caffeine and stimulants that interfere with sleep before bedtime, exercising regularly, having a quiet, comfortable, darkened bedroom, and winding down before sleep.

How the recommendation might affect practice

Lifestyle advice is widely used in current practice, so the recommendations are not expected to involve a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

How the recommendations might affect practice

The use of CPAP for people with OHS is a change in practice that is likely to result in less non-invasive ventilation use.

The recommendations on oxygen therapy reflect current practice in most NHS centres, so there is likely to be little impact on practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available on managing rhinitis for people with OHS. The committee agreed that recommendations for OSAHS are applicable to people with OHS as well. They agreed, based on their knowledge and experience, that treating rhinitis and other causes of nasal obstruction is important and may help people use CPAP more comfortably, and have a positive impact on sleep disorders. Changing the interface from a nasal to an orofacial mask and adding humidification can also help. The committee advised that current practice should be followed for initial treatment, and that referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist may be needed for further assessment of persistent symptoms.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current practice in most NHS centres, so there is likely to be little change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The committee noted that CPAP and non-invasive ventilation are just part of treatment for OHS, and that follow-up should be tailored to the person’s overall treatment plan. This should also include lifestyle changes (such as weight management, modifying use of sedative drugs and alcohol, and stopping smoking) and treating underlying lung disease and other comorbidities.

Based on their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed that for people with OHS starting CPAP or non-invasive ventilation, early follow-up at 1 month is advisable to review control of symptoms, sleep-disordered breathing and adherence. Problem solving can be achieved by face-to-face, video or phone consultations, and can include review of telemonitoring data if available. The committee also agreed that although most studies of telemonitoring are in patients with OSAHS, and that there is not yet the ability to assess hypercapnia through telemonitoring, it is still of value for monitoring in people with OHS who also have OSAHS.

In addition to annual review, people with OSAHS and OHS having CPAP or non-invasive ventilation therapy need to be able to access a sleep service for advice and provision of consumables such as masks, circuitry and filters.

How the recommendations might affect practice

Current practice includes a mixture of face-to-face, phone and video consultations and telemonitoring. The increasing number of people being offered CPAP means that providing regular outpatient follow-up has become increasingly difficult. In addition, a more personalised approach enables attention to be focused on people with problems adapting to therapy. Telemonitoring is included in the overall cost of CPAP devices by some manufacturers for variable periods, and is increasingly available for non-invasive ventilators. The committee discussed that routine use of telemonitoring should reduce the need for face-to-face consultations, and reduce pressure on outpatient clinics, but feedback and discussion with patients is still needed. Increasing web- and app-based access to telemonitoring data will allow patients to access their own results and encourage self-management.

The committee noted that there has been a significant move to video and phone consultations to reduce the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this shift in practice is likely to persist.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available for demonstrating efficacy of treatment for OHS, so the recommendations are based on the committee’s knowledge and experience.

In OHS, control of nocturnal hypoventilation is demonstrated by improvement of symptoms, hypercapnia when awake and asleep, and oxygenation. It is important to optimise these to improve wellbeing and prognosis, and to reduce the risk of hospital admission.

The committee agreed that clinical effectiveness of CPAP and non-invasive ventilation in people with OHS should be assessed by reviewing symptoms of OSAHS and nocturnal hypoventilation including Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, AHI or ODI, adherence to therapy, improvement in oxygenation and hypercapnia while awake and asleep, and telemonitoring or download information from the CPAP or non-invasive ventilation device. As well as assessing sleepiness, the committee agreed that vigilance should be assessed by discussing the person’s alertness and ability to concentrate on tasks. This is particularly important for drivers.

The committee agreed that the understanding and experience of people having CPAP or non-invasive ventilation should be explored, and factors that commonly cause problems should be reviewed.

The committee highlighted that in people with OHS, the need for oxygen therapy and adherence to this should be reviewed after treatment with non-invasive ventilation or CPAP has been optimised.

How the recommendations might affect practice

These recommendations reflect current practice and are not expected to lead to major changes in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was no evidence available for people with OHS. The committee agreed that the evidence reviewed for supporting adherence to CPAP in people with OSAHS could be extrapolated to treatments in people with OHS.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect best practice but are currently implemented to varying degrees across NHS settings and will involve a change of practice for some providers.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendation

No evidence was available for when to suspect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (COPD–OSAHS) overlap syndrome, so the recommendations are based on the committee’s knowledge and experience.

COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome describes the combination of COPD and OSAHS. These are 2 of the most prevalent pulmonary conditions and therefore the combination is likely to be common. Hypoxaemia due to COPD is exacerbated during sleep by OSAHS, which may worsen prognosis and symptom burden. The committee agreed that a sleep history should be taken and further assessment for OSAHS carried out in people with COPD presenting with common symptoms and features of either OSAHS or nocturnal hypoventilation. The type of symptoms, nature of sleep-disordered breathing and outcome will be affected by the relative severity of COPD and OSAHS.

How the recommendation might affect practice

It is estimated that COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome has a prevalence of approximately 1% and is currently under recognised. In current practice, not all people with the symptoms and features of OSAHS listed in the recommendation are considered for further assessment for COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, hence implementation of these recommendations may change practice for most providers. A growth in referrals for sleep study is anticipated with an increased understanding of the impact of COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome. As a result of increased diagnosis, CPAP and non-invasive ventilation use may increase. Treatment in turn may reduce acute admissions and long-term complications.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence on assessment tools for suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, so the committee also used their knowledge and collective experience to make the recommendations.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is intended to assess for sleepiness and the limited evidence reflected this, showing that it had moderate sensitivity and low specificity for diagnosing COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome. The committee noted that some people with this syndrome do not have excessive sleepiness and that not all healthcare professionals are aware of this. However, they agreed that it has a useful role in assessment and monitoring, and noted that when healthcare professionals are requested by the DVLA to complete assessment of a driver with OSAHS (which will include those with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome), this includes the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Limited evidence showed that the STOP-Bang Questionnaire had high sensitivity and low specificity for diagnosing COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome. Sensitivity is a priority for questionnaires used for initial assessment. The committee had some concerns about its accuracy in people with less common presentations and in women, but agreed that it could have a role in assessment, alongside the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, to inform the preliminary understanding of the person’s symptoms and concerns. The Epworth questionnaire is used to assess only sleepiness whereas the STOP-Bang Questionnaire is used to assess risk of having OSAHS and includes parameters such as snoring, tiredness, history of high blood pressure, BMI, age, neck size and gender. With this in mind, the committee agreed that the Epworth questionnaire should be used, and the STOP-Bang Questionnaire could also be considered for initial assessment.

Spirometry is routinely measured in clinical practice to assess the severity of COPD, and it aids the understanding of the relative contribution of COPD and OSAHS to symptom load and pathophysiology.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the STOP-Bang Questionnaire are widely used in current practice, and spirometry is routinely used to assess COPD, so the recommendations are not expected to involve a change in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available for prioritising people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome for assessment in a sleep service, so the committee used their knowledge and experience to identify groups that would benefit most from prompt assessment and treatment.

The committee noted that people with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome who have severe hypercapnia or hypoxaemia should be prioritised for assessment because they have chronic ventilatory failure, and are at risk of acute decompensated ventilatory failure, both of which carry a poor prognosis.

The committee agreed that sleep services should prioritise access to a sleep study and treatment for people in whom vigilance and alertness are vital to occupational safety, particularly those with problematic sleepiness, and to people with pre-existing conditions who are at increased risk of adverse events. They agreed that services should aim to fast-track priority groups to be seen as soon as possible.

The committee discussed the effect of OSAHS on work performance and safety, and how it could increase the risk of work accidents in safety-sensitive occupations. People with a wide range of jobs or activities could be affected, for example, drivers, train drivers, pilots, heavy machinery operators, surgeons and people caring for vulnerable children or adults. The committee noted that DVLA guidance on assessing fitness to drive recommends that drivers with suspected or confirmed OSAHS and excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse impact on driving must not drive until there is satisfactory symptom control. Control of symptoms is likely to need assessment and treatment from a sleep specialist.

The committee agreed that priority should be given to pregnant women, because COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome may be associated with poor outcomes for mothers and babies.

People with suspected COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome and unstable cardiovascular disease need early investigation and treatment, because cardiovascular complications may be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in overlap syndrome.

The committee agreed that people with a high probability of COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome who need major surgery should be prioritised to avoid delaying surgery.

The committee also agreed that the risk of sudden blindness in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy warrants priority assessment because of its possible association with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

To ensure that patients are prioritised appropriately by sleep services and to allow fast-tracking directly to a sleep study, the committee agreed on key details, based on their experience, that should be included in referral letters.

How the recommendations might affect practice

In current practice, specific groups are not always prioritised for assessment, so there is likely to be a change in practice for some providers. There is increasing pressure on sleep services, and offering higher priority to some groups may delay studies for other people. Planning for and providing rapid-access sleep studies may help to reduce the pressure on services, with triage of referrals allowing people to be fast-tracked directly to a diagnostic study.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was little evidence for diagnostic tests in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, so the committee used their clinical knowledge and experience, and the evidence on testing for OSAHS, to make the recommendations.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

Why the committee did not make recommendations

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

The committee noted that CPAP and non-invasive ventilation are just part of treatment for COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, and that follow-up should be tailored to the person’s overall treatment plan. This should also include lifestyle changes (such as weight management, modifying use of sedative drugs and alcohol, and stopping smoking) and treating underlying lung disease and other comorbidities. For some people, it may also include discussions about care planning (for example, COPD exacerbation action plan and advance care planning) for those with severe COPD.

Based on their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed that for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome starting CPAP or non-invasive ventilation, early follow-up is advisable to review control of symptoms, sleep-disordered breathing and adherence. Problem solving can be achieved by face-to-face consultations, or video or phone consultations, and include review of telemonitoring data if available. The committee also agreed that although most studies of telemonitoring are in people with OSAHS, and that there is not yet the ability to assess hypercapnia through telemonitoring, it is still of value for monitoring in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

In addition to their 6-monthly or annual review, people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome having CPAP or non-invasive ventilation need to be able to access a sleep service for advice, and provision of consumables such as masks, circuitry and filters.

How the recommendations might affect practice

Current practice includes a mixture of face-to-face, phone, video consultations and telemonitoring. The increasing number of people being offered CPAP and non-invasive ventilation means that regular outpatient follow-up becomes difficult for sleep services to provide. In addition, a more personalised approach enables attention to be focused on people with problems adapting to therapy. Telemonitoring is included in the overall cost of CPAP devices by some manufacturers for variable periods. The committee discussed that routine use of telemonitoring should reduce the need for face-to-face consultations, and reduce pressure on outpatient clinics, but feedback and discussion with patients is still needed. Increasing web- and app-based access to telemonitoring data will allow patients to access their own results and encourage self-management.

The committee noted that there has been a significant move to video and phone consultations to reduce the risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this shift in practice is likely to persist.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

No evidence was available on efficacy of treatment for COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, so the recommendations are based on the committee’s knowledge and experience.

In COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, control of nocturnal hypoventilation is demonstrated by normalisation of oxygenation and hypercapnia when awake and asleep; this is important to improve prognosis.

The committee agreed that clinical effectiveness of CPAP and non-invasive ventilation in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome should be assessed by reviewing symptoms of OSAHS and nocturnal hypoventilation including Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, AHI or ODI, adherence to therapy, improvement in oxygenation and hypercapnia (if present) while awake and asleep, and telemonitoring or download information from CPAP or non-invasive ventilation device. As well as assessing sleepiness, the committee agreed that vigilance should be assessed by discussing the person’s alertness and ability to concentrate on tasks. This is particularly important for drivers. The committee agreed that the understanding and experience of people having CPAP and non-invasive ventilation should be explored, and factors that commonly cause problems should be reviewed. They noted that sleep quality may be poor in COPD patients, with disruption from cough, wheeze, restless legs and medication.

The committee highlighted that in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome who are already having supplemental oxygen therapy, the need for oxygen therapy should be reviewed after treatment with non-invasive ventilation or CPAP has been optimised. Effective treatment with CPAP or non-invasive ventilation may improve the person’s condition to the extent that they no longer fulfil the criteria for supplemental oxygen.

In some patients with severe COPD and COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, optimised treatment of the OSAHS may produce an objective improvement in indices such as the AHI or oxygen desaturation during sleep, but fail to improve symptoms or quality of life for the person. This would usually be because the severity of the person’s COPD has the overriding influence on quality of life. Because use of non-invasive ventilation or CPAP equipment adds to the burden of therapy, consideration should be given to stopping these and using a symptom-management approach. This needs careful discussion with the person and their family or carers, including considering what they would like to do for COPD exacerbations and advance care planning when appropriate.

How the recommendations might affect practice

These recommendations reflect current practice and are not expected to lead to major changes in practice.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was no evidence available for people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome. The committee agreed that the evidence reviewed for supporting adherence to CPAP in people with OSAHS could be extrapolated to treatments in people with COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect best practice but are currently implemented to varying degrees across NHS settings and will involve a change of practice for some providers.

Return to recommendations

Why the committee made the recommendations

There was limited evidence from clinical studies on the information and support needs of people with OSAHS, and no evidence for people with OHS and COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome, so the committee also used their clinical knowledge and experience to make the recommendations.

The committee discussed that providing appropriate information for people with OSAHS, OHS and COPD–OSAHS overlap syndrome is essential to help them understand their condition and access support and treatment. Attendance for sleep investigation, such as respiratory polygraphy, is likely to be higher if patients understand why these are being performed and what they entail.

The committee agreed that giving information about all aspects of treatment is likely to increase uptake and therefore effectiveness.

The committee noted that different sleep services provide their own information and were aware of useful resources produced by a number of organisations providing support to patients.

How the recommendations might affect practice

The recommendations reflect current best practice.

Return to recommendations