August 2023
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The high prevalence of sleep-disorderd breathing and overnight oxygen desaturation not only in adults but also in an increasing percentage of children requires clinical attention and competence by the physicians. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as an individual having five or more obstructed breathing events per hour during sleep together with certain clinical signs and symptoms (The Report of an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Task Force, Sleep 22:667–689, 1999). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the standard treatment for OSAS. This therapeutic practice is supported by scientific evidence. CPAP is provided by a system that produces a constant flow of air at a preset pressure and is applied through a nasal mask, fitted to individual patients. Positive pressure is created in the upper respiratory airways, increasing its internal diameter and thereby preventing its collapse during sleep, but its effectiveness depends on patient tolerance of the device. The data on the acceptability or efficacy of several methods of respiratory support are not always univocal and coinciding. The aim of the ventilatory support therapy is to warrant a constant and normal O2 level. Optimal management of nocturnal desaturation remains challenging; therefore, it is key to determine the appropriate and suitable device and to monitor if nightly ventilatory therapy is being followed and carried out properly.KeywordsSleep apneaContinuous positive airway pressureOximetryRhinomanometryNightly monitor