JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, patient adherence to CPAP therapy remains a critical challenge, with many individuals finding it difficult to maintain consistent use due to discomfort, lack of understanding, or perceived inconvenience. Augmented Reality (AR) offers a novel approach to overcoming these barriers by providing interactive, real-time guidance to users, potentially enhancing adherence rates.

Objective:

This clinical trial aims to exam the feasibility of AR implementation and the effect of AR on improving CPAP adherence in OSA patients.

Methods:

A randomized clinical trial with a parallel assignment will be conducted. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving AR-guided CPAP therapy, or a control group receiving standard care. The study spans six months, with assessments at baseline (T0), and with follow-ups at 1-month (T1), 3-month (T2) and 6-month (T3) post-intervention. The primary outcome measure is CPAP adherence, defined as using the CPAP device for more than 70% of sleep time, with a minimum of 4 hours per night. Secondary outcomes will evaluate the common adverse effects associated with CPAP, device usability, and time required for CPAP machine use education

Results:

Recruitment is scheduled to begin in April 2025, with follow-up assessments at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) post-intervention. The trial remains on schedule, with the final data collection anticipated in December 2025 and results expected to be published by October 2026.

Conclusions:

This study aims to advance chronic disease management through the introduction of innovative, technology-driven interventions to enhance CPAP therapy. Clinical Trial: The study was registered under the number NCT06520592 on Aug. 23, 2024.