The Role of the Nose in Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Based on results from previous studies we hypothesize that the nose plays a more significant role in normal sleep respiration and in particular a larger role in sleep disordered breathing than previously recorded.

The overall aim of this project is to gain insight into nasal respiration during wake and sleep, its anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.

Additionally, we will look at olfactory dysfunction, or reduced sense of smell, a known problem in OSAS patients (n=30), and try to determine if this dysfunction has to do with disturbed sleep architecture or as a result of frequent deoxygenations during the night.

To do this we propose to implement current diagnostic tools available in the diagnostics of sleep disordered breathing such as polysomnography (PSG), in combination with rhinological investigations with 4-phase rhinomanometry and techniques such as two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of patients. For olfactory testing we will use standardized smell tests. These examinations in combination will give us a more detailed view of the factors that influence nasal respiration.

Additionally, we will use an interventional approach in the proposed study. Patient nasal resistance will be modified under monitored sleep by implementing conventional decongestant nasal spray in an double blinded RCT in order to study the effect of varying nasal resistance on nocturnal respiration and sleep architecture.