Exacerbation Prevention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) overlap syndrome

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major burden to the health system and cause significant morbidity for patients. Patients with COPD who also have obstructive sleep

apnoea (OSA), termed COPD-OSA overlap, have more exacerbations than patients with COPD alone. Observational data suggests treating OSA with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy may reduce

exacerbation frequency in these patients. This study aims to assess the impact of PAP on exacerbation frequency in patients with overlap. We will incorporate health economic and process evaluations to allowing a robust assessment of the intervention and facilitating adoption into clinical practice.