May continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment be detrimental in obstructive sleep apnea?

In the last few years, several common beliefs on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been challenged by new data. Recognition of different pathophysiological features of OSA has changed the attitude towards alternative treatments targeted to correct specific functional abnormalities.1 Such treatments may be more acceptable for patients compared to life-long continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Similarly, the diagnostic criteria for OSA have been critically reviewed, since the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) is a poor marker of OSA severity.