Introduction: Vibrotactile positional therapy (PT) devices are a new treatment modality for
positional obstructive sleep apnoea (POSA). This review aimed to determine the
effectiveness of vibrotactile PT on the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) and the percentage of
time spent in the supine position (%Tsupine) in patients with POSA, compared to baseline.
Secondary aims were to investigate the effect on daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and sleep
quality.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed of randomised controlled
trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that investigated the effect of vibrotactile PT in POSA
patients. Searches were performed via MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase up to October
29, 2022.
Results: 1119 studies were identified, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria (10 RCTs, 8
cohort studies). The use of vibrotactile PT significantly reduced the AHI at follow-up
compared to baseline (mean difference (95% CI), -9.19 events/hr (-11.68, -6.70); p-value
<0.00001). The mean %Tsupine was also significantly reduced (mean difference (95% CI), -
32.79%, (-38.75, -26.83); p-value <0.00001). The percentage changes in the AHI and
%Tsupine were 43% and 70%, respectively. Secondary outcomes were daytime sleepiness,
quality of life and sleep indices. These showed minimal change, although follow-up was
short.
Conclusion: Vibrotactile PT devices are effective in treating POSA; reducing both AHI and
%Tsupine. The effect on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and disease-specific quality of life
was minimal. However, there were limited data and follow-up was often brief, meaning that
further research is needed to determine the effect of vibrotactile PT on patient-centred
outcomes.