Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is common in adults, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality especially due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), as reported by numerous studies.

Τhe gold standard for the diagnosis of OSAS is polysomnography (PSG) though it has a significant cost. In addition, there are cost issues related to the first-line therapy, namely the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Despite the fact that cost concerns should not deter physicians from referring patients for sleep evaluation and sleep physicians from treating them properly, the “cruel” economic rules of modern society always raise questions related to cost-effectiveness.

Several studies from the UK, Canada, and Spain have found that treatment of moderate to severe OSAS with CPAP is cost-effective. OSAS is associated with increased morbidity with consequent increased health-care costs. Thus, prevention of OSAS complications by its early diagnosis and ...