Electrical auricle stimulation device for obstructive and central sleep apnoea: A pilot study

Background: Severe obstructive (OSA) and central (CSA) sleep apnoea represent serious health consequences and are mostly treated by CPAP, but often perceived as uncomfortable. Long-term compliance for CPAP is low. Recently, an electrical auricle stimulation (EAS) device was developed to improve OSA as well as CSA. Methods: The EAS device applies an electrical stimulus to the auricle, at a low impedance point, upon cessation of breathing. The algorithm has an inbuilt stimulation delay of a few seconds. 40 male OSA/CSA patients were enrolled with broad selection criteria (BMI 2 ). Nights with stimulation ON were compared to nights with stimulation OFF, with particular focus on changes in apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) and micro arousal index (ArI), based on attended polysomnography. Results: Stimulation for one night was efficacious (improvement of AHI ≥30%) in 18 out of 40 patients (from 47±20 to 22±15, p Conclusion: EAS is feasible and allows treatment of OSA/CSA, without induction of arousals. Moreover, EAS is experienced as more comfortable than CPAP. Hence, these promising results warrant a prospective study to evaluate short- and long-term effects.