Investigating treatments for obstructive sleep apnea

Upper airway collapsibility, loop gain and arousal threshold: an integrative therapeutic approach to obstructive sleep apnea

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10918257

This study is for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have trouble using standard breathing machines; it looks at how well soft palate surgery helps improve their sleep, and if needed, tests a medication to see if it can help them sleep better afterward.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10918257 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot tolerate traditional positive airway pressure therapy. Participants will undergo drug-induced sleep endoscopy to measure airway pressure and will receive soft palate surgery. The effectiveness of the surgery will be evaluated through sleep studies before and six months after the procedure. Additionally, patients who do not experience resolution of OSA will participate in a crossover study testing the effects of acetazolamide and a combination of acetazolamide with eszopiclone.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea or those who can tolerate positive airway pressure therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who struggle with current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using surgical interventions and pharmacological treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.