Could it besleep 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
Download the 4-step guide to navigating OSA ![]()
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
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:
- Benjafield, A. V., Pépin, J. L., et al. (2025). The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
- Bushi, G., et al. (2023). Diseases, 11(3), 103.
- Polecka, A., et al. (2023). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(19), 6139.
- Patil SP et al. JCSM 2019; 15(02): 301-34.