What are the current guidelines for the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, including lifestyle modifications?

The current guidelines recommend discussing appropriate lifestyle changes with all people with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) to help manage the condition and prevent worsening, including support and information on losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and improving sleep hygiene ¹.

For individuals with mild OSAHS who have no symptoms or symptoms that do not affect daytime activities, treatment is not usually needed, and lifestyle and sleep habit changes can help prevent disease progression ².

In cases where symptoms affect quality of life and daytime functioning, fixed-level continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) should be offered alongside lifestyle advice if lifestyle changes alone are unsuccessful or inappropriate ².

Telemonitoring with CPAP is recommended for up to 12 months, with consideration for longer use, and auto-CPAP may be used as an alternative if high pressure is needed only intermittently, or if the patient cannot tolerate fixed-level CPAP ².

Additional management includes considering heated humidification for side effects like nasal dryness, and ensuring infection control precautions due to CPAP being an aerosol-generating procedure ².

Support for adherence to treatment should be provided by trained staff, including educational and supportive interventions tailored to individual needs ².