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Observational Study on Breathing Patterns in Sleep Apnea

This study is looking at how people breathe (through their nose or mouth) during sleep, specifically focusing on those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Researchers want to understand the connection between your breathing route and how easily your airway collapses during a procedure called Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE). They also want to see if the way you breathe during DISE is similar to how you breathe during natural sleep. You might be able to join if you are an adult (18 or older) who has been evaluated at the CPAP Alternatives Clinic at Penn Otorhinolaryngology and have at least mild OSA (Apnea-Hypopnea Index, or AHI, greater than 5). The study aims to enroll 50 participants. The study's main goal is to classify your breathing route and how easily your airway collapses during DISE within three months of joining.

Study design
This is an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and record information without giving a specific treatment. It plans to include 50 participants.
What's involved
You will undergo a standard Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) and an in-laboratory sleep study (Polysomnogram) that includes a special cannula to measure your breathing.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your breathing and airway collapsibility during DISE will be measured within 3 months of enrollment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06789770

Nasal vs Oral Breathing in Drug Induced Sleep vs Natural Sleep

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
University of Pennsylvania
~50 participants
Updated 2026-03-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Classification of route of breathing and upper airway collapsibility during Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)
Measured over Within 3 months of enrollment

Conditions

Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

Explore related trials

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

  • Julianna Rodin, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pennsylvania

Who to contact

Everett Seay
[email protected]
215-662-2777
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

• Adults (≥ 18yrs) that underwent clinical evaluation at the CPAP Alternatives Clinic at Penn Otorhinolaryngology.
Must have at least mild OSA (AHI\>5)

Exclusion

• Sleep study with an AHI\<5, \>25% of total events being central or mixed events, or inability to achieve adequate drug-induced sleep.
Upper Respiratory Illness at the time of the DISE.

What this trial measures

  • Classification of route of breathing and upper airway collapsibility during Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)Within 3 months of enrollment

    Participants will be classified as oral breathers if more than 50% of their total breaths during DISE occur through the oral route; otherwise, they will be classified as nasal breathers. The pattern of upper airway collapse will be characterized using the VOTE classification system, a standardized DISE scoring tool assessing the Velum (V), Oropharynx (O), Tongue Base (T), and Epiglottis (E). Each anatomical site is graded on a 0-2 scale, where 0 = no obstruction, 1 = partial obstruction, and 2 = complete obstruction. This outcome assesses relationships between breathing route classification and the anatomical pattern and severity of upper airway collapse