Tests airway pressure therapy in older veterans with lung disease and sleep apnea
Tests a breathing machine against usual care in older veterans with COPD and sleep apnea.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Impact of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Older Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Overlap Syndrome)
Key facts
- Where
- Detroit, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MIDetroit, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Trial code
- NCT04179981
- Record updated
- 5 June 2026
- Original description
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are highly prevalent chronic respiratory diseases in the Veteran population. OSA co-occurring with COPD, known as Overlap Syndrome (OVS), is a complex chronic medical condition associated with grave consequences. OVS is highly prevalent in Veterans. Veterans with OVS may be at increased risk for cognitive deficits, poor sleep quality as well as a reduced quality of life (QoL). The overall objective is to study the effects of positive airway pressure therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with OVS.Read full original descriptionShow less
Impact of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Older Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Overlap Syndrome)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are highly prevalent chronic respiratory diseases in the Veteran population. OSA co-occurring with COPD, known as Overlap Syndrome (OVS), is a complex chronic medical condition associated with grave consequences. OVS is highly prevalent in Veterans. Veterans with OVS may be at increased risk for cognitive deficits, poor sleep quality as well as a reduced quality of life (QoL). The overall objective is to study the effects of positive airway pressure therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with OVS.
Inclusion: OSA with moderate-to-severe disease, AHI 20 per hour by in-lab polysomnography with concomitant moderate-severe COPD based on pulmonary function tests (PFTS) and with past significant history (>10 pack-years) of smoking; Male or female gender; Age greater than or equal to 60 years; Stable treatment regimen for COPD.
Exclusion: Current or prior treatment with PAP or oral appliance; Epworth sleepiness score >16 (severe sleepiness) or a near-miss or prior automobile accident due to sleepiness within the past 12 months; On long-term oxygen therapy prior to start of study, more than 12 hr/day; Consumption of >3 alcoholic beverages per day or current use of some illicit drugs, as these may contribute to cognitive deficits; Patients receiving hospice care; Known primary neuromuscular diseases; Disorders that may impact cognitive function including:; neurodegenerative disorders; traumatic brain injury; untreated PTSD and/or history of learning disability; Patient is actively suicidal due to depression, unstable mental health condition; Narcolepsy is the primary sleep disorder, with requirement of stimulant medications; Central sleep apnea defined as central apnea index >5 per hour and comprising 50% of AHI; Medicines that may cause or alter sleepiness: sedative hypnotics, or stimulants as these may alter the results; Employed as a commercial driver or operating heavy machinery; Patients is unable to use either a nasal or face mask (e.g., facial trauma, claustrophobia); Patients who cannot give informed consent; Pregnant women due to unknown risks.