AAFP | Resmed
What can we help you find?
Search for masks, machines, accessories...

Could it be
sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition associated with increased risk of mortality if left untreated.1 Here’s a helpful fact sheet for you with key information about comorbidities and OSA.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can:
  • Increase cardiovascular mortality by up to 55%1
  • Lead to resistant hypertension and poor glucose control2
  • Exacerbate persistent AFib3

But OSA care doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and knowledge, you can manage non-complex OSA confidently.

Review the four simple steps
to diagnose and treat sleep apnea

Use these effective approaches for screening for sleep apnea:

  • Understand the range of risk factors associated with sleep apnea
  • Leverage consumer health technologies that include sleep apnea notifications as a starting point
  • Use validated screening tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale

 

Choose the testing option that best supports your patients’ care goals and aligns with your clinical evaluation:

Option 1: Home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) are recommended for patients who have signs and symptoms of OSA and no other significant medical conditions. Order HSATs through an independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF) that offers virtual care and testing services with board-certified sleep specialists.

Option 2: In-lab polysomnography (PSG) sleep studies are a reliable option for patients with more complex conditions requiring comprehensive monitoring.

CPAP therapy is highly effective and remains the most used and understood method for treating OSA.4 Here’s how to get your patients started on CPAP:

1.Fill out a prescription (our optional Rx template can help guide you)

  • Choose APAP or CPAP
  • Indicate min/max pressure: use default or specify custom settings
  • Select therapy accessories (mask, tubing, humidifier, filters)

2. Send documentation to HME / DME 

Submit complete prescription details, sleep study, diagnosis, clinical exam notes, and patient demographic info.

While HMEs manage equipment setup and education, you play a critical role in guiding patients through their therapy journey and supporting treatment success.

Here are some simple tips for patient support:

  • Providing guidance and ongoing care: Schedule a follow up visit within the first 30 to 90 days of starting therapy.
  • Encouraging compliance: Reinforce that consistent CPAP use — defined as at least four hours per night — can lead to better symptom relief.
  • Empowering patients: Support patient success by recommending resources like the myAir™ app and other educational tools.

Key resources

A new study on the economic burden of OSA  
A landmark study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal projects a significant rise in OSA in the United States over the next 30 years.
View the study

OSA and mortality: the big picture  
This infographic enables you to explore the link between untreated OSA and mortality and the benefits of consistent CPAP therapy.
View the infographic

Case study: OSA and hypertension
A real-world case study by Dr. Audrey Wells highlighting how undiagnosed and untreated OSA may complicate hypertension management — and how early recognition and treatment can improve patient outcomes.
View the case study

Modern solutions for sleep therapy

Resmed continues to innovate on many fronts, including testing, masks, patient apps and more — making it easier than ever for you to address OSA directly.

NightOwl HSAT

NightOwl is a fully disposable, FDA-cleared home sleep apnea test (HSAT) that uses peripheral arterial tonometry. Record up to 10 nights of sleep data with a simple, streamlined experience that delivers a highly accurate measurement of sleep health.

AirSense 11 PAP device

AirSense 11 is the modern PAP device that combines enhanced digital health technology with effective therapy modes — all designed to make starting sleep apnea therapy, and adhering to it, easier and more convenient than ever before.

AirTouch N30i and AirFit F40 masks

AirTouch N30i and AirFit F40 are quiet, small and comfortable masks designed to fit every patient’s needs.

AirView patient management system

AirView is a secure, cloud-based system that helps you manage patients with sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory insufficiency.

myAir patient support app

myAir is an app that provides personalized sleep therapy insights and support for CPAP users to support their therapy experience.

Advancing clinical excellence

Focus on obstructive sleep apnea

A free, thematic curriculum for physicians dedicated to improving the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Supported by an independent educational grant from Resmed.

References:

  1. Benjafield, A. V., Pépin, J. L., et al. (2025). The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
  2. Bushi, G., et al. (2023). Diseases, 11(3), 103.
  3. Polecka, A., et al. (2023). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(19), 6139.
  4. Patil SP et al. JCSM 2019; 15(02): 301-34.