The Use of Heliox in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
The Use of Heliox in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
The goals of the project is to evaluate the effects of Heliox therapy on obstructive sleep
 apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common condition affecting up to 2-4 % of the
 general population. The pathophysiologic consequences of OSA include: excessive daytime
 sleepiness leading to increased car and work related accidents; and increased incidence of
 hypertension (HTN), stroke and possibly coronary artery events. In addition, patients with
 severe and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have increased mortality compared to
 patients with treated severe OSA.The main stay of treatment of OSAS is the application of
 continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during sleep. The main problem with CPAP therapy
 is compliance. Heliox, a mixture of oxygen and helium has been used for many years in the
 treatment of upper airway obstruction. In this study, the investigators will evaluate the
 effectiveness of Heliox in the treatment of OSAS. Adult subjects with the diagnosis of
 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who are referred for repeat sleep study for CPAP titration
 will be evaluated.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults 18 or older with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) presenting for CPAP
 titration.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Professional singers.

 -  Television or Radio hosts.

 -  Disk Jockeys.

 -  Subjects requiring oxygen therapy.

 -  Subjects younger than 18 year old.

 -  Pregnant women.

 -  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with forced expiratory
 volume 1 (FEV1) less than 50%.

 -  History of anatomic upper airway obstruction.

 -  Uncontrolled asthma.