Understanding sleep apnea better with new imaging during sleep
Official title: Improving understanding of sleep apnea pathogenesis using novel imaging techniques during sleep
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11408565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to map exactly where and how the airway collapses during sleep using innovative imaging, to help tailor better treatments for people with sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $759,658 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176920-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sleep apnea or suspected upper airway collapse who are considering or currently undergoing imaging during sleep.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sleep apnea who cannot participate in imaging during sleep or have contraindications to the DISE procedure may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the upper airway narrows or closes during sleep by using a sleep-simulating procedure and advanced imaging. Researchers will measure opening and closing pressures in different parts of the throat to understand collapse patterns. The goal is to link airway anatomy with collapse behavior to guide therapies for patients who struggle with current PAP treatment. Results could lead to more personalized approaches to treating sleep apnea based on an individual’s airway structure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for sleep apnea and fewer people unable to tolerate current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using sleep-endoscopy and pressure measurements has provided insights, but this project advances by combining novel imaging during actual sleep with detailed pressure analyses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwab, Richard J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Schwab, Richard J.
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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.