Sleep Apnea: Can a Breathing Machine Save Your Life?

Summary: A new Lancet Respiratory Medicine study shows that using Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy significantly lowers the risk of heart-related and all-cause death in people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This article breaks down the evidence, study methods, and what it means for patients and doctors alike.

PAP Therapy May Lower Death Risk in Sleep Apnea

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy, often used in sleep apnea, might be doing more than helping you sleep better. A new large-scale study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that PAP therapy was linked to significantly lower rates of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

“These findings support a possible positive impact of PAP treatment on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in OSA patients,” the authors noted.

So, how strong is the evidence, and what does this mean for those living with OSA?

What the Study Looked At

Adam Benjafield and his team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies to get clear answers. Their goal? To find out whether using PAP therapy helps people with OSA live longer, especially by reducing heart-related deaths.

They reviewed medical databases like PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, covering studies up to September 9, 2024. Conference abstracts (2022–2023) and reference lists were also examined.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults (over 18) with OSA
Patients either treated or not treated with PAP
Studies measuring cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, or both
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTS) and non-randomised controlled studies (NRCSs) were included
Studies focusing only on PAP adherence or other topics were excluded

Here’s What They Found

Out of 5,484 records, 30 high-quality studies (10 RCTs and 20 NRCSs) were selected. These involved a massive 1.17 million individuals with a mean age of 59.5 years and a mean follow-up of 5.1 years.

Demographics:

Males: 905,224 (77%)
Females: 270,391 (23%)

The analysis used a random-effects model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs), ensuring that results accounted for variation across studies.

Bias Level:

Risk of bias was evaluated using:

Newcastle – Ottawa Scale for NRCSs
Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs
Results showed a low to moderate risk of bias; in other words, the findings are fairly reliable.

PAP Therapy Shows Life-Saving Potential

Here’s the bottom line: People with OSA who used PAP therapy had lower risks of both cardiovascular death and death from any cause compared to those who didn’t use it. The benefits grew with consistent use of the device.

“The clinically meaningful benefit of PAP treatment increased with usage,” the researchers emphasised.

This means PAP doesn’t just help manage symptoms but may extend life expectancy for OSA patients.

What This Means for You

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, PAP therapy could be more than just a sleeping aid, it might be a life-saving intervention. Speak to your healthcare provider about whether this therapy is right for you and how to use it effectively.

Conclusion: PAP Therapy Isn’t Just About Sleep - It’s About Survival

The evidence is growing: Positive Airway Pressure therapy may reduce the risk of heart-related and overall death in patients with OSA. With over a million individuals analysed, this study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and consistent treatment.

Don’t sleep on sleep apnea – it could cost more than just rest.

I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.