Comparing CPAP and BiPAP for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in People with Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
Opening soon NCT06818604
Run by University of British Columbia · for 19 and older · All sexes
What this study is about
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries, with studies suggesting prevalence rates ranging from 27% to 62%. The condition often leads to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and poor participation in rehabilitation. Positive airway pressure therapy can be used to treat the condition; however, some individuals find continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which applies the same pressure during inhalation and exhalation, difficult to use. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) offers different pressures for inhalation and exhalation, which may be more comfortable and potentially improve adherence in this patient population. However, limited evidence compares CPAP and BiPAP in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. This pilot study will enroll 32 adult participants with cervical spinal cord injuries who have moderate to severe SDB (defined as an AHI of 15 events/hour or greater). Participants will be randomly assigned to either CPAP or BiPAP therapy for 4 weeks. Device usage per night will be measured, and data on daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep quality will be collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The investigators aim to determine whether BiPAP improves adherence and symptoms compared to CPAP in this patient population.
Who can join (things the study team will check)
✅ You may be able to join if…
- Age >= 19 years
- Cervical spinal cord injury (ASIA A, B, or C). This will include patients with upper (C1-C4) and lower (C5-C7) spinal cord injuries
- Presence of sleep disordered breathing, defined as AHI > =15 events/hour by home sleep apnea test (HSAT)
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- On CPAP or BiPAP prior to spinal cord injury
- Hypoventilation syndrome (elevated venous carbon dioxide, PvCO2>50 mm Hg)
Where this trial is running
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Who to contact
Najib Ayas · 604-875-4122 · nayas@providencehealth.bc.ca
It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06818604.
Verify everything on the official ClinicalTrials.gov record. Page updated July 2026.