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 healthcare professionals understand:

• the vulnerability of people with a learning disability and autistic people to health inequalities and premature mortality
• the importance of ensuring people with a learning disability, autistic people and carers understand the risk of non-compliance with CPAP treatment and that patients are appropriately safeguarded against these risks
• the importance of ensuring that CPAP treatment is continued in all settings, including during mental health inpatient admissions.

We have also published resources for people with a learning disability and carers.