Impact of radiofrequency turbinate reduction on the sleep quality of bed partners of patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) negatively impacts not only patients’ sleep quality but also that of their bed partners. Radiofrequency (RF) turbinate reduction is commonly performed in OSA patients with symptomatic nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy and has been shown to improve patients’ sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. However, its effect on the sleep of bed partners has not been evaluated.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of RF turbinate reduction in OSA patients with nasal obstruction on their bed partners’ sleep quality and quality of life.

Methods: Bed partners of OSA patients who underwent RF turbinate reduction between November 2023, and August 2024 were prospectively enrolled. Participants completed validated questionnaires, including the Functional outcomes of sleep quality (FOSQ), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and a visual analog scale for patients’ snoring intensity. Preoperative and 3-months postoperative results were compared.

Results: Twenty-five bed partners of OSA patients met the inclusion criteria and completed all questionnaires. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in bed partners’ sleep related parameters, including the average FOSQ score (16.1 ± 2.7 to 17.9 ± 1.9; ES = 1.2 [95% CI, 0.7 – 1.7]), ESS (10.6 ± 4.6 to 7.6 ± 2.8; ES = “ 1.1 [95% CI, “1.6 to “0.6]), and SF-36 score (73.2 ± 16.0 to 80.0 ± 12.0; ES = 1.1 [95% CI, 0.6–1.6]) (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion: RF turbinate reduction in OSA patients with nasal obstruction significantly improves bed partners’ sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life within three months postoperatively.