Test study on sleep position therapy

25.07.2023 16:32

The University of Duisburg-Essen will accompany and evaluate a so-called test study on behalf of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). With the commissioning, the G-BA has successfully completed its Europe-wide tendering process.

The study aims to answer a medical question that is currently still open: whether sleep position therapy - compared to therapy with positive airway pressure - reduces daytime sleepiness at least as well in patients with mild to moderate position-dependent obstructive sleep apnea. The results will enable the G-BA to make a confident decision about the medical benefits of sleep position therapy as a new treatment method.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of breathing disorders while sleeping. Patients' airways narrow - especially when lying on their back - and breathing stops. As a result, many sufferers are excessively sleepy during the day. During sleep position therapy, a sensor is attached to the body: If the patient turns on their back while sleeping, the sensor emits vibration pulses until the sleeping position changes.

Tasks of the commissioned University of Duisburg-Essen

The University of Duisburg-Essen, in its function as an independent scientific institution, will prepare the study protocol and obtain the necessary official approvals as well as the vote of the ethics committee(s). The specific study centers must then be selected and suitable patients must be included in the study. After completing the study, the University of Duisburg-Essen evaluates the data collected and submits a final report on the study results to the G-BA for further consultation.

The G-BA provides information about the current status of studies on its website. In addition to the exact study description and contact details, the selected study centers can also be found here: POSA – sleep position therapy for mild to moderate position-dependent obstructive sleep apnea.