Helping older Veterans stick with PAP therapy for sleep apnea
Addressing insufficient positive airway pressure use among older Veterans with obstructive sleep apnea
This project offers guided coaching and follow-up support to help older Veterans use their positive airway pressure (PAP) machines more regularly for obstructive sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193239 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would work with a trained "sleep coach" who uses a structured, manual-based program aimed at people 65 and older who already have a PAP device but are not using it enough. The program includes five sessions over eight weeks followed by monthly check-ins for up to six months, with coaches supervised remotely by a psychologist. The approach was pilot-tested and is designed so coaches from various disciplines can deliver it in different settings to make ongoing support easier to get.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 65 or older with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who have started PAP therapy but struggle to use it regularly.
Not a fit: People without a PAP prescription, those who already use PAP consistently, or those with conditions that prevent participation (for example, severe cognitive impairment) may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase long-term PAP use, improving sleep, daily functioning, and health outcomes for older Veterans with OSA.
How similar studies have performed: Previous behavioral programs have helped people begin PAP use, and this intervention builds on pilot data, but methods specifically targeting sustained PAP use in older adults are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alessi, Cathy Ann — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Alessi, Cathy Ann
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.