Using light therapy to help people stick to CPAP treatment for sleep apnea
Official title: Exploring the Use of Phototherapy to Improve CPAP Compliance
Run by University of Alberta · NCT06960161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if light therapy can help people with sleep apnea stick to their CPAP treatment better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06960161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults currently using CPAP who experience issues with tolerance or snoring.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not using CPAP will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), a type of light therapy, to improve compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. PBM is known for its ability to enhance biological functions and may help stabilize the upper airway, potentially reducing snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. The study will involve administering PBM to patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP, assessing its effectiveness in improving their adherence to treatment. The approach aims to combine PBM with existing therapies to enhance overall treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve CPAP compliance and overall sleep quality for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
How similar studies have gone: While PBM has shown promise in improving sleep quality and reducing snoring in other contexts, its application specifically for enhancing CPAP compliance is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * using CPAP * problems with CPAP tolerance/snoring Exclusion Criteria: * not using CPAP
Where it's running
-
Enjoy Dental
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Enoch Ng
- Email: enoch@ualberta.ca
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.