Nasal EPAP for Stroke Patients With Sleep Apnea: a Pilot Trial.

Inclusion Criteria: * adults with an ischemic stroke (including TIA with infarction) within the prior 14 days Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current use of any transnasal tube (eg dobhoff tube) 2. Current use of CPAP, mechanical ventilation, or supplemental oxygen 3. Known severe breathing disorders including hypercapnic respiratory failure, respiratory muscle weakness, bullous lung disease, bypassed upper airway, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum 4. Severe heart disease (including severe heart failure) 5. Pathologically low blood pressure 6. An acute upper respiratory (including nasal, sinus or middle ear) inflammation or infection, or perforation of the ear drum 7. Sores, abrasions, or skin or mucosal irritation on or around the nose. 8. Known pregnancy 9. Inability to provide informed consent 10. Use of alpha blockers or short acting nitrates 11. Permanent pacemaker 12. Sustained non-sinus cardiac arrhythmia