With decreased adherence to positive airway pressure therapy to treat sleep apnoeas, non-conventional treatments based on new therapeutic targets are emerging. In central sleep apnoea syndrome associated with heart failure, phrenic nerve stimulation and non-conventional pharmacological treatments such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, gas therapies, and cardiac devices are novel alternative therapies. In obstructive sleep apnoea, a better understanding of predominant pathophysiological pathways is characterizing diverse clinical phenotypes. For patients with low arousal threshold, sedatives or hypnotics might be effective, whereas for those with unstable ventilatory control, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or oxygen might improve obstructive sleep apnoea. For patients with upper airway muscle dysfunction, an increase in pharyngeal tone might be beneficial. This chapter describes ‘experimental’ therapies and novel technologies to treat these disorders.
Non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy for improving erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnoea
