Q&A: CPAP alternative offers ‘more flexibility and comfort’ to patients with OSA

Key takeaways:

• VortexPAP is designed to be more tolerable than bulky CPAP devices.
• Researchers expect that this technology will be an approved treatment option within the next 1 to 2 years.

Nightly positive airway pressure use has been shown to control obstructive sleep apnea, reduce health care costs and lower the rate of hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

However, these benefits are only possible with consistent and regular use of positive airway pressure (PAP), which a University of Cincinnati (UC) press release stated is a challenge for some CPAP users because of the device’s uncomfortable mask and headgear.

In an effort to improve patient tolerability of OSA treatment, UC researchers designed the VortexPAP to be a less intrusive and more comfortable CPAP alternative.

Healio spoke with Liran Oren, PhD, research associate professor in the department of otolaryngology at the UC College of Medicine, to learn more about VortexPAP, how it differs from CPAP and when clinicians can expect to see this technology as a treatment option.

Healio: What was the inspiration behind the VortexPAP? How does it work?

Oren: The VortexPAP concept was a product of a collaborative effort between myself (an aerospace and biomedical engineer), the late Sid Khosla, MD, renowned professor of otolaryngology, and Ephraim Gutmark, PhD, distinguished professor and Ohio Eminent Scholar in the UC department of aerospace engineering. We were also guided by Ann Romaker, MD, director of the UC Sleep Medicine Center, who helped us understand the challenges of CPAP therapy and develop an effective alternative.

Liran Oren, PhD, with University of Cincinnati colleagues Ephraim Gutmark, PhD, and Ann Romaker, MD.

Source: Andrew Higley/University of Cincinnati Marketing + Brand

Our paradigm-changing device, VortexPAP, is based on the re-application of “vortex airflow,” a flow control mechanism used in aerospace engineering. Current applications of vortex airflow include enhancing fuel mixing in combustion processes, improving convective cooling of electronic components (instead of using a fan) or as a flow control mechanism that reduces drag over a body (such as an airplane wing or a car).

The core value proposition of the VortexPAP is that using vortical airflow circumvents the need for a tight-fitting interface, therefore, offering more flexibility and comfort for how airflow is delivered to the patients.

Healio: Could you tell us about the preliminary study evaluating VortexPAP use?

Oren: Our initial study, conducted with a benchtop prototype, demonstrated the effectiveness of VortexPAP in controlling OSA. The study involved six patients and used polysomnography to evaluate the device’s performance. The positive results from this proof-of-concept study were instrumental in securing a grant from the NIH-Catalyze program for further development toward commercialization of the VortexPAP.

Healio: What is the difference between vortex airflow technology and CPAP?

Oren: All currently marketed CPAP machines share the common goal of delivering continuous airflow via a tightly sealed mask to generate positive pressure and keep the upper airway open.

In contrast to conventional CPAP machines, the VortexPAP delivers airflow that is made of a train of vortices. These vortices consist of rotational regions with aerodynamic properties that differ significantly from continuous airflow. This can be demonstrated when comparing two types of airflow patterns during the exhalation of smoke. Smoke blown out continuously breaks up a short distance from its exit (ie, lips); this illustrates the evolution of continuous airflow of current CPAP devices. In contrast, smoke blown as a smoke ring (ie, vortex) travels further with less diffusion because the vortex can maintain its structure and momentum (force). The VortexPAP produces a flow made of scores of these rings every second.

Healio: Why is this difference important when treating patients with OSA?

Oren: The VortexPAP’s unique design eliminates the need for a tight seal, offering more comfort and flexibility in PAP delivery. Our current prototype delivers airflow to the patient in a manner similar to nasal cannulas. The tubing can be anchored to the face either using a form of headgear or using disposable adhesive patches, providing a more comfortable experience for the patient.

Liran Oren, PhD, displaying the VortexPAP.

Source: Andrew Higley/University of Cincinnati Marketing + Brand

VortexPAP also eliminates the feeling of “air swallowing,” which can be uncomfortable for some CPAP users.

Healio: What are the next steps in testing and developing the VortexPAP? When can clinicians expect to see this technology as a treatment option for patients with OSA?

Oren: We are currently enrolling patients into a clinical study scheduled for the summer.

Subject to FDA approval, we anticipate that the VortexPAP will be ready for use within the next 1 to 2 years. We are committed to ensuring that this groundbreaking technology becomes a viable treatment option for patients with OSA in the near future.

Those living in the Cincinnati metropolitan area interested in enrolling in the clinical study can visit the UC Health clinical research website and search for the keywords “VortexPAP” or “CPAP.”

For more information:

Liran Oren, PhD, can be reached at orenl@ucmail.uc.edu.

Reference:

• UC researchers develop new CPAP device. https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/04/university-of-cincinnati-researchers-develop-a-new-cpap-device-to-assist-indivials-with-obstructive-sleep-apnea.html. Published April 17, 2024. Accessed April 24, 2024.