NCT05527652 · University of Michigan
Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) Treating Upper Airway Obstruction in Hypotonia
What this study is about
The researchers are investigating if the Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) device can be used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Hypotonic Upper Airway Obstruction (HUAO).
View original scientific description
The researchers are investigating if the Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) device can be used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Hypotonic Upper Airway Obstruction (HUAO).
Interventions
DEVICE
Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA)
The ssNPA device is made of a single piece of flexible, medical-grade silicone. It is inserted through one nostril and extends to the anatomic position bypassing the upper airway obstruction above the epiglottis.
Primary outcome measures
Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
Time frame: Up to 16 weeks
Measured during the polysomnogram
Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) tolerance
Time frame: Up to 16 weeks
Measured by self report. Likert scale 0-5 (higher score is better)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Children with Hypotonic Upper Airway Obstruction (HUAO): This includes those who newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These children will undergo overnight polysomnography to determine the presence of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index \[AHI\]\>10 or AHI\>5 with nocturnal hypoxemia defined as oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry \[SpO2\] nadir \<=75%).
- All subjects require the presence of at least one symptom of OSA (such as snoring 3 or more nights per week, daytime sleepiness, or hyperactive/inattentive behaviors)
- Post adenotonsillectomy or those with contraindications to tonsillectomy.
- Tonsil size 2+ or smaller.
- Parent/caregivers willing and able to provide informed consent and child willing and able to provide assent, where appropriate.
Exclusion criteria
- AHI ≤10 on polysomnogram (PSG) without hypoxemia or AHI\<5 with hypoxemia.
- Any medical reason why Self-Supporting Nasopharyngeal Airway (ssNPA) therapy may not be suitable
- Active Coronavirus (COVID) 19 infections
- End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) or Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TCO2) values \>60 mmHg for \>10% of sleep time on PSG
- Psychiatric, medical, or social factors likely to invalidate assessments, make adherence with ssNPA highly unlikely or make local follow-up at 8 weeks unfeasible. Some psychiatric conditions may be provoked or exacerbated by OSA, and those most commonly implicated - Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder - will not be exclusions. However, more pervasive conditions such as severe autism will be excluded.
- Presence of supraglottic airway collapse or more distal airway stenosis or collapse (for example glottic, subglottic stenosis, or concern for distal airway stenosis or malacia)
- Moderate/severe tracheobronchomalacia
- Need for anticoagulative therapy
- Bleeding disorder
- Restrictive thoracic disorders
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations