Updated June 2026 · ClinicalTrials.gov
Exploring the Use of Phototherapy to Improve CPAP Compliance
Exploring the Use of Phototherapy to Improve CPAP Compliance (NCT06960161) is a Phase 1 interventional studying Obstructive Sleep Apnea, sponsored by University of Alberta. RECRUITING as of the most recent ClinicalTrials.gov update. Talk to your doctor before contacting the trial site.
About This Trial
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a type of light therapy like lasers and LEDs. PBM was previously known by different terms like "low-level laser therapy" (LLLT) or "photobiostimulation." LLLT, despite its name, can also have effects beyond biomodulation, including thermal effects useful in medical imaging and therapy. PBM works by interacting with our biological systems, and its clinical benefits depend on factors like light wavelength, and energy output. PBM has various clinical applications, such as wound healing, pain management, and treatment in sports injuries. It's also used as an adjunct to surgery, reducing risks and improving outcomes in areas like wound healing and inflammation. In oral medicine, PBM is applied to conditions like oral aphthous ulcers and is well-recognized for its positive effects in treatment of oral inflammation for oncology patients. Recent studies indicate that PBM, when administered by trained professionals, can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring/SDB in adults. There's potential for its use in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), showing effectiveness similar to dental sleep appliances but with fewer side effects. This effect seems to be from stabilization of the upper airway. Combining PBM with other therapies, like dental sleep appliances, has shown promise in enhancing effectiveness. However, whether the effect of PBM in stabilizing the upper airway to reduce snoring/SDB can be used in combination with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to decrease CPAP pressures and improve patient compliance has not been explored.
What Stage of Research Is This?
Phase 1 trials test a new treatment for the first time in humans, focusing on safety, dosing, and how the body processes the drug. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a Phase 1 study typically enrolls a small number of participants — often healthy volunteers or patients who have exhausted standard treatment options. Phase 1 results determine whether a treatment moves into larger Phase 2 efficacy studies.
This trial is currently recruiting participants. The sponsor has registered the study with ClinicalTrials.gov as actively enrolling, which means new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can be considered for screening. Trial status can change between updates — confirm current recruiting status with the study contact before traveling for a screening visit.
With a target enrollment of 30 participants, this is a small study — typical of early-phase research, rare-disease trials, or pilot studies designed to generate preliminary signal before a larger study is launched.
Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)
These are translations of the protocol\'s inclusion and exclusion criteria, simplified for patients and caregivers. The original clinical text appears below. Eligibility is ultimately confirmed by the trial site\'s screening process — this summary is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a final determination.
Original Eligibility Criteria
View original clinical language
Treatments Being Tested
Phototherapy
Phototherapy
Locations (1)
Trial sites listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for this study. Site activation status can vary — confirm with the specific site before traveling for a screening visit.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About This Trial
Bring the printable summary of this trial — including the NCT ID (NCT06960161), the sponsor (University of Alberta), and the key eligibility criteria — to your next appointment. Your doctor can review the inclusion and exclusion criteria against your medical history, lab values, and current treatments to assess whether you are likely to qualify. They can also help you weigh whether trial participation makes sense alongside your existing care plan.
Useful questions to walk through together: What does the trial protocol require beyond standard care? How long is the active treatment phase, and how long is follow-up? Are there study visits at sites I can reach? Who pays for the trial-specific procedures, and who pays for standard-of-care portions? See our 25 questions to ask about clinical trials guide for a more complete checklist.
Authoritative Sources
The official record for this trial lives on ClinicalTrials.gov — the federal registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. For background on how this trial fits into the FDA approval pathway, see the FDA drug approval process. For oncology-specific guidance for patients considering trials, the National Cancer Institute publishes patient-oriented overviews. International trial registries are aggregated by the WHO ICTRP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCT06960161 clinical trial studying?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a type of light therapy like lasers and LEDs. PBM was previously known by different terms like "low-level laser therapy" (LLLT) or "photobiostimulation." LLLT, despite its name, can also have effects beyond biomodulation, including thermal effects useful in medical imaging and therapy. PBM works by interacting with our biological systems, and its clinical benefits depend on factors like light wavelength, and energy output. PBM has various clinical applications, such as wound healing, pain management, and treatment in sports injuries. It's also used as an adjunct t… The full protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and includes the primary outcome measures, eligibility criteria, and study endpoints.
Who can participate in NCT06960161?
Eligibility for this trial depends on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria set by the sponsor. The plain-English summary above translates the most important criteria into accessible language; the official clinical text is preserved in the collapsible section underneath. Whether you fit any specific trial is a medical decision your doctor needs to confirm — bring the trial information to your treating physician for a full review against your medical history.
How do I contact the trial site for NCT06960161?
Contact information registered with ClinicalTrials.gov is shown in the sidebar of this page. Before reaching out, confirm with your treating physician that this trial is appropriate for your situation. The trial site will then walk you through the screening process to determine final eligibility.
Is participating in a clinical trial safe?
Clinical trials in the United States are regulated by the FDA and overseen by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that review the protocol for safety. Risk varies by trial — Phase 1 studies test new treatments in humans for the first time, while Phase 3 trials use treatments that have already passed earlier safety screening. The informed consent document for any specific trial details the known risks and what to expect. Discuss those risks with your physician before deciding whether to participate.
Where can I verify the data on this page?
Every detail on this page comes directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API. Click "View on ClinicalTrials.gov" in the sidebar to see the official, unmodified record. The federal record is always authoritative; this page is a structured presentation with a plain-English eligibility translation. For background on how clinical trials are regulated, see the FDA drug approval process documentation.
How This Page Is Built
Every field on this page is pulled directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 — no estimates, no proxies. The plain-English eligibility translation is generated from the original protocol text and reviewed for fidelity to the underlying clinical criteria. The original clinical text remains visible in the collapsible section above so users and clinicians can verify the translation. Read the full methodology for the data pipeline and known limitations.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 record for NCT06960161. Maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. Public domain. Cite as: "TrialFinderData. NCT06960161. Data: ClinicalTrials.gov."
Medical disclaimer: This page is informational, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Last updated 2026-06-07 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.