Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be common in people with a learning disability, in particular people with Down’s syndrome.

Untreated OSA can impact on mental health as well as causing significant risks to physical health. OSA can be life-threatening if the risks of non-compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment are not understood by individuals and their carers.

Assessment and treatment for OSA should be prioritised for people with a learning disability and autistic people, who often face health inequalities and the risk of premature mortality.

People with a learning disability and autistic people should be issued a CPAP machine with remote monitoring capability.

These resources have been developed to help carers for people with a learning disability and autistic people understand:

• the importance of people using their CPAP machine as prescribed
• the importance of telling the hospital sleep service promptly if there are any issues
• how to use and maintain CPAP equipment.