Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder characterised by repeated events of upper airway collapse leading to airflow limitation [1]. OSA is often under-recognised, and if untreated, is associated with a significant increase in the risk of CV and all-cause mortality [2–4]. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treating OSA and is able to rebalance intrathoracic pressure, to modulate preload and afterload and to reduce the transmural pressure gradient; these effects are also reflected in a reduction of sympathetic tone and oxygen consumption, contributing to improve cardiac function [5].
