Study Confirms CPAP Therapy Extends Lifespan for Sleep Apnea Patients

Study Confirms CPAP Therapy Extends Lifespan for Sleep Apnea Patients

March 24, 2025 – SAN DIEGO – A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine has revealed that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy significantly reduces mortality rates among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conducted by global experts in sleep and respiratory medicine and supported by ResMed, this comprehensive meta-analysis examined data from over 1 million OSA patients worldwide, confirming that CPAP therapy not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances longevity.

OSA: A Silent Yet Modifiable Risk Factor

OSA is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting more than a billion people worldwide, with over 80% of cases remaining undiagnosed and untreated. This condition is linked to severe health risks, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The study emphasizes that untreated OSA is a major but modifiable risk factor for both overall mortality and cardiovascular-related deaths, reinforcing the necessity of consistent CPAP therapy.

Key Findings of the Meta-Analysis

Analyzing data from 30 studies—including 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 real-world evidence (RWE) studies—the research team identified several critical benefits of CPAP therapy:

• 37% Reduction in Overall Mortality: Patients who consistently used CPAP had a 37% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not use the therapy.
• 55% Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Death: CPAP therapy demonstrated a substantial protective effect on heart health, reducing cardiovascular-related mortality by more than half.
• Stronger Benefits with Consistent Use: A dose-response relationship was observed, meaning the more consistently CPAP therapy was used, the greater the survival benefits.

Expert Insights on CPAP’s Life-Saving Potential

“For individuals with OSA, the choice to use CPAP therapy can be a matter of life and death,” stated Dr. Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at ResMed. “This study provides the strongest evidence yet that CPAP not only improves quality of life but also extends it.”

Dr. Atul Malhotra, senior author of the study and research chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, echoed these sentiments: “CPAP therapy is not just about managing sleep apnea—it’s a crucial intervention that supports cardiovascular health and increases lifespan.”

Jean-Louis Pépin, a co-author of the study and professor of clinical physiology at Grenoble University Hospital, emphasized the importance of adherence: “Every additional hour of CPAP use directly correlates with a higher chance of survival. Patients who remain committed to their therapy aren’t just breathing better at night—they’re potentially adding years to their lives.”

A Call to Action

As the gold standard for OSA treatment, CPAP therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness. Unlike other medical interventions, it is non-invasive, drug-free, and provides immediate overnight benefits. The study underscores the urgent need for increased diagnosis and adherence to CPAP therapy among OSA patients worldwide.

For more information, access the full study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

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