Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The objective of this trial is to assess efficacy and compliance of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the upper airway dilator muscles in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (TESLA) who do not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy over a period of 3-months in the community and compare results against usual care (ongoing CPAP therapy), evaluate acceptability, comfort and adverse events, and record outcomes for provision of the health economics analysis. The proposed study will provide us with data about the efficacy of the domiciliary use of the intervention from a UK-based prospective, multi-centre and randomised controlled trial (Phase III). We will understand whether the primary outcome parameter, the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI), or the secondary outcomes (e.g. 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), compliance and comfort, Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaires (FOSQ), European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D)) are suitable measures to assess control of OSA using TESLA within reasonable acceptance for the patients to provide the analysis of healthcare resource usage for assessment of cost-efficacy and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Responder analysis will provide insights into gender, socio-economic background and endotypes to predict who most suitably benefits from this treatment.