Live Sleep Breathe Lab

Our lab is dedicated to advancing the field of sleep apnea surgery and improving cardiometabolic health among patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

About Us

At the Live Sleep Breathe Lab, we are dedicated to advancing sleep apnea surgery and improving cardiometabolic health among patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Our projects apply state-of-the-art technologies in sleep diagnostics, upper airway stimulation, and cardiometabolic health assessments. For this work, Yi Cai, MD (Principal Investigator) has been awarded competitive grants and research funding from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, Triological Society, American Heart Association, Columbia Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia Surgery, and Columbia Technology Ventures.

About

As Director of Sleep Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Yi Cai is driven by the desire to improve patients' sleep through innovative clinical and research approaches. She is one of <10 fellowship-trained sleep surgeons in the nation with peer-reviewed research funding. She devotes significant attention to upper airway evaluation in personalizing patients treatments and offers the full spectrum of surgical sleep apnea care, ranging from nasal and pharyngeal surgery to skeletal surgery to hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire therapy).

Dr. Cai routinely speaks at the premier global conferences in her field, serves on national committees, and mentors numerous medical trainees. Her peer-reviewed research articles and textbook chapters include first-author publications in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, SLEEP, and the leading otolaryngology textbooks.

Dr. Cai graduated from Harvard College and Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Cai then completed fellowship training in both Sleep Medicine and Sleep Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to her career in medicine, Dr. Cai was an Executive Board member at the Harvard Lampoon, a healthcare consultant, and performed as a violinist both domestically and abroad.

Live Sleep Breathe Lab

Yi Cai, MD

Position Principal Investigator
Email otosleepresearch@cumc.columbia.edu

Research

Stim Sleep Breathe: Upper Airway Stimulation and Surgical Innovation

We are conducting the first randomized controlled trials to understand the effects of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (i.e. Inspire therapy) on markers of cardiometabolic health. Our lab also aims to optimize OSA care from initial consultation to post-surgery care, optimize patient selection criteria, and develop novel approaches to sleep apnea treatment. Lastly, we also contribute to international consensus guidelines and expert panels at our fields’ major meetings.

Cardio Sleep Breathe: Cardiometabolic Health in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

We study the intersection between sleep-disordered breathing and cardiometabolic disease risk. The lab employs advanced health assessments to measure metabolism, energy balance, dietary quality, insulin resistance, inflammation, oxygenation, and biomarkers. Using these measures, our lab gains a comprehensive understanding of cardiometabolic health in patients and examines how newer treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists intersect with OSA care.

Tech Sleep Breathe: Wearable Technology & Digital Health Innovation

This research arm examines next-generation technologies for sleep-disorders breathing diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. We study wearable device use in OSA care, digital health applications for symptom tracking, and novel care delivery tools to improve treatment decision-making and quality of care. Ultimately, we hope to enhance the care of sleep-disordered breathing from diagnosis to treatment through innovative technological solutions.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Publications

2025

The Metabolic Outcomes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Kutler RB, Caplan IF, Jelic S, St-Onge MP, Cai Y

The Laryngoscope

2025

Changes in Wearable Sleep Technology Metrics During Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Uptitration.

Singh A, Cai Y, Mason AE, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2025

Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Consumer Sleep Technology Metrics and Patient Symptoms

Cai Y, Cheng C, Zheng J, Strohl KP, Mason AE, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2023

Improving the understanding of sleep deprivation and strategies for fatigue management across the medical education continuum: a call to action.

Alter IL, Kutler RB, Cai Y, Rosen IM

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine

2023

Longitudinal Analysis of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Therapy Uptitration Using Cloud-Based Usage Data.

Cai Y, Zheng YJ, Chang JL

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

2023

Racial Differences in Positive Airway Pressure Requirements Amongst Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.

Cai Y, Parekh M, Rodin J, Tangutur A, Yu JL, Keenan BT, Schwartz AR, Dedhia RC

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

2023

Video-Based Decision Aids Improve Sleep Surgery Decision- Making: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Gulati A, Abdulbaki H, Callander JK, Cai Y, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2023

Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Consumer Sleep Technology Metrics and Patient Symptoms.

Cai Y, Cheng C, Zheng J, Strohl KP, Mason AE, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2023

The Effect of Surgical Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Arterial Tonometry.

Tangutur A, Cai Y, Seay EG, Keenan BT, Thaler ER, Dedhia RC

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

2023

Prevalence of Sentinel Central Events During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy.

Rodin J, Parekh MH, Cai Y, Keenan BT, Thuler ER, Schwartz AR, Dedhia RC

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

2022

Snoring Patterns During Initial Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy Up-Titration.

Zheng YJ, Cai Y, Ifeagwu KC, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2021

International consensus statement on obstructive sleep apnea.

Chang JL, Goldberg AN, Alt JA, Ashbrook L, Auckley D, Ayappa I, Bakhtiar H, Barrera JE, Bartley BL, Billings ME, Boon MS, Bosschieter P, Braverman I, Brodie K, Cabrera-Muffly C, Caesar R, Cahali MB, Cai Y, et al

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology

2021

Patient-Defined Goals for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment.

Cai Y, Tripuraneni P, Gulati A, Stephens EM, Nguyen D, Durr ML, Chang JL

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

2021

Nasal Surgery

Cai Y, Kent D, Chang JL

Bailey’s Head & Neck Surgery: Otolaryngology

2020

The Role of the Clinical Head Impulse Test on Cochlear Implantation Candidacy.

Jiam NT, Cai Y, Wai KC, Polite C, Kramer K, Sharon JD

World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

2020

The Microbiome in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Cai Y, Juszczak HM, Cope EK, Goldberg AN

SLEEP

2020

Decisional Conflict in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic.

Gulati A, Stephens EM, Cai Y, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2020

Patient Use of Low-Cost Digital Videoscopes and Smartphones for Remote Ear and Oropharyngeal Examinations.

Cai Y, Zheng YJ, Gulati A, et al.

JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

2020

Efficacy of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Alone Versus in Combination with Neurosurgical Intervention for the Treatment of Pediatric Subdural Empyema.

Gillard DM, Cai Y, Rothey PK, Coleman N, Virbalas JM, Czechowicz JA, Weinstein JE

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

2020

Pediatric Infectious Disease

Cai Y, Meyer AK

Lesperance-Cummings Pediatric Otolaryngology

2020

Adult OSA Overview

Cai Y, Goldberg AN, Chang JL

The Essential Sleep Medicine and Surgery

2019

Giant Septated Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma.

Gulati A, Bustos R, Cai Y, Aubin-Pouliot A, Pletcher SD, Cheung SW

Otolaryngology Case Reports

2019

Evolving Otolaryngology Resident Roles and Concerns at the Peak of the US COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cai Y, Gulati A, Jiam NT, Wai KC, Shuman EA, Pletcher SD, Durr ML, Chang JL

Head & Neck

2019

Otolaryngology Resident Practices and Perceptions in the Initial Phase of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cai Y, Jiam NT, Wai KC, Shuman EA, Roland LT, Chang JL

The Laryngoscope

2019

The Nose and Nasal Breathing in Sleep Apnea.

Cai Y, Goldberg AN, Chang JL

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America

2019

PIK3CA and p53 Mutations Promote 4NQO-Initated Head and Neck Tumor Progression and Metastasis in Mice

García-Carracedo D, Cai Y, Qiu W, et al.

Molecular Cancer Research

2019

Round Cell Sarcoma with EWSR1-PATZ1 Gene Fusion in the Neck: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Park KW, Cai Y, Benjamin T, Qorbani A, George J

The Laryngoscope

2019

NSAID Therapy for PIK3CA-Altered Colorectal, Breast, And Head And Neck Cancer

Cai Y, Yousef A, Grandis JR, Johnson DE

Advances in Biological Regulation

2017

Differences in Postoperative Maladaptive Behavioral Changes Between Partial and Total Tonsillectomy Patients

Cai Y, Lopata L, Dodhia S, Monteleone M, Haddad J, Sun LS

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

2017

Is Topical High-Volume Budesonide Sinus Irrigation Safe?

Cai Y, Gudis DA

The Laryngoscope

2016

Copy Number Changes Identified Using Whole Exome Sequencing in Non- Syndromic Cleft Lip And Palate

Cai Y, Patterson KE, Reinier F, et al

Birth Defects Research

2016

Unilateral Nasal Congestion in an Elderly Man

Cai Y, Parasher AK, Palmer JN

JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery

2016

Factors Influencing Postoperative Pain Following Discharge in Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Patients

Cai Y, Lopata L, Roh A, et al.

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

2016

ACSS2 Gene Variant Associated with Cleft Lip and Palate in Two Independent Hispanic Populations

Dodhia S, Celis K, Aylward AN, Cai Y, et al.

The Laryngoscope

2016

Nasopharyngeal Papillomas Treated with CO2 Laser and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Cai Y, Merea VS, Lee AH, Su GH, Caruana SM

The Laryngoscope

2016

Spontaneous Nasal Septal Abscess Presenting as a Soft Tissue Mass in a Child

Cai Y, Saqi A, Haddad J

Journal of Emergency Medicine

2016

Dysregulations in the PI3K Pathway and Targeted Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cai Y, Dodhia S, Su GH

Oncotarget

2016

Nasal Dorsum Mass in an Infant

Cai Y, Betman S, Haddad J

JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery

2015

Using Whole Exome Sequencing to Identify Candidate Genes with Rare Variants in Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate

Aylward AN, Cai Y, Lee AH, et al.

Genetic Epidemiology

2009

Therapeutic Implications of GIPC1 Silencing in Cancer

Chittenden TW, Pak J, Rubio R, Cheng H, Holton K, Prendergast N, Glinskii V, Cai Y, et al.

Plo S one

Showing 1-10 of 40 publications

Presentations

2025

Redefining success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation: current approaches to assessing therapy effectiveness

AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO

Indianapolis, IN

2025

Life's Essential 8 in Sleep Surgery Clinic Patients

AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO

2025

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Usage in Sleep Surgery Clinic Patients

AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO

Indianapolis, IN

2025

Metabolic Assessments of Neurostimulation to Reduce Apnea (MANTRA) Trial: Rationale and Methods

International Surgical Sleep Society Annual Meeting

Indianapolis, IN

2024

The Metabolic Outcomes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: A Scoping Review

Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting

Orlando, Florida

2024

Navigating the Unknowns of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2024

Navigating the Unknowns of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes

Johns Hopkins University

Virtual

2024

Navigating the Unknowns of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes

Penn State College of Medicine

Hershey, Pennsylvania

2024

Should an OSA Surgeon Require a Sleep Surgery Fellowship?

International Surgical Sleep Society Meeting

Wollongong, Australia

2023

Racial Differences in Positive Airway Pressure Requirements Amongst Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

SLEEP

Indianapolis, IN

2022

Consumer Sleep Technologies and Wearables: Integrating Them Into Practice

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Meeting

Nashville, TN

2021

Reducing OSA-Related Health Risks with Medical and Surgical Therapies: What is the Evidence?

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Meeting

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2021

Longitudinal Analysis of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Therapy Up-Titration Using Cloud- Based Usage Data

International Surgical Sleep Society Meeting

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2021

Using Wearable Consumer Technology to Assess Sleep in OSA

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Meeting

2021

Snoring Patterns During Initial Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy Up-Titration

Triological Society Annual Meeting at COSM

2021

Examining Sleep Architecture Changes in OSA Patients Treated with HNS Therapy

Triological Society Annual Meeting at COSM

2021

Impact of a Combination CFTR Modulator on Mucosal Inflammation in CF Patients

American Rhinologic Society Meeting at COSM

2020

Patient-Defined Goals for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) Virtual Sessions

2020

Decisional Conflict in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic

Triological Society Annual Meeting at COSM Virtual Sessions

2020

Medical Student Perceptions of Procedural Learning in the Era of COVID-19

Annual Academic Surgical Congress

2020

FESS Versus Combined FESS and CNS Intervention in the Management of Pediatric Subdural Empyema

European Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology Virtual Meeting

2019

Factors Influencing Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction Patients

American Head and Neck Society Meeting

2019

Weakened Medical Student and Resident Partnerships During the COVID-19 Pandemic

American Medical Association Virtual Research Symposium

2019

Examining the Medical Student Otolaryngology Experience: Room for Improved Understanding and Exposure

Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting

2016

Differences in Postoperative Maladaptive Behavioral Changes Between Partial and Total Tonsillectomy Patients

American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) Meeting

Austin, TX

2016

A Case-Control Study of Candidate Variants in the PHYH Gene in Honduran Patients with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate

ASPO Meeting

Austin, TX

2016

Candidate Variant in ACSS2 Associated with Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in Two Hispanic Populations

Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting

San Diego, CA

2016

Quality of Preclinical Medical Student Otolaryngology Shadowing Experiences in the Operating Room

Triological Society Annual Meeting at COSM

2016

Longitudinal Analysis of Sound Exposure and Usage in Cochlear Implant Subjects Using Objective Data Logs

American Otological Society Spring Meeting

2015

Identification of Copy Number Variants Using Whole Exome Sequencing in Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip And Palate

ASPO Meeting at COSM

Chicago, IL

2013

Factors Influencing Postoperative Pain Following Discharge in Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Patients

International Anesthesia Research Society Meeting

2013

Maladaptive Behavior Changes in Pre-school Age Children After Ambulatory Surgery

International Anesthesia Research Society Annual Meeting

2010

The Role of p53 Mutation in Anchorage-independent Survival of Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells

Dana–Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Symposium

Showing 1-10 of 33 presentations

Our Team

Meet the brilliant minds driving our research forward

Yi Cai

Yi Cai

Principal Investigator

Allison Lin

Research Fellow '25-26 and Medical Student

Allison Lin is a third-year medical student at Columbia VP&S and a Research Fellow (2025-26) in the Cai Lab. She graduated magna cum laude from Brown University in 2021 with an Sc.B. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Her research on lipid metabolism in polyploid ovarian cancer cells received the Leallyn B. Clapp Prize in Biochemistry for Outstanding Honors Thesis. Prior to medical school, she was a Visiting Scholar at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Cohen Children's Medical Center in the Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. She has been involved in research spanning otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, and cardiology since then. Outside of medicine, she enjoys Broadway and Formula 1.

Rachel Kutler

Research Fellow '24-25 and Medical Student

Rachel Kutler is a fourth-year medical student at Columbia VP&S and Research Fellow (2024-25). She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Her research interests include cardiometabolic health among patients with obstructive sleep apnea and the surgical outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, skiing, and watching reality TV.

Jesus Lopez-Peña

Clinical Research Coordinator

Jesus Lopez-Peña is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Otolaryngology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in Systems Physiology from San Jose State University. Jesus is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes for under-resourced communities, both locally and globally, with a focus on ensuring high-quality care. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and exploring various cuisines and cultures.

Nurshath Kalam

Clinical Research Coordinator

Lisa Schulmeyer

Medical Student

Lisa Schulmeyer is a medical student at Columbia VP&S and 2025 Summer Research Fellow. She earned her ScB in Chemistry from Brown, where she received the Clapp Prize for Outstanding Honors Thesis for her research in DNA repair mechanisms. Prior to medical school, Lisa’s professional background was in biopharma operations consulting with Boston Consulting Group, where she specialized in novel-modality treatments like cell and gene therapies. Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, visiting museums, and exploring new restaurants.

Paul Trackey

Medical Student

Paul Trackey is a medical student at Columbia VP&S and 2025 Summer Research Fellow in the Cai Lab. He graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Life Science from West Point and will pursue a career in Army medicine following graduation. Some of his hobbies include rock climbing, hunting, and getting lost in the woods.

Andrea Rivera Diaz

Medical Student

Andrea Rivera is a medical student at Columbia VP&S. She holds a BA in Statistics and Molecular and Cellular Biology from Harvard College and a master’s degree in mathematical Modeling for Global Health from Oxford University. Andrea is excited to leverage her statistics background to explore the interdisciplinary field of otolaryngology.

Lauren Zhang

Medical Student

Lauren Zhang is a medical student at Columbia VP&S. She graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in Chemistry and a secondary in Applied Mathematics and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She is interested in otolaryngology and epidemiology and their intersection. In particular, she is curious to investigate associations between ENT conditions and developmental and environmental factors. Lauren plays the piano and regularly gives concerts in the UK and Europe, such as at the BBC Proms, Kissinger KlavierOlymp, and Klavier-Festival Ruhr.

Make a Gift

We rely upon philanthropy to advance our mission to improve patients’ lives with greater speed and impact. To make a gift online, please contact us or visit the Columbia Sleep Apnea Fund.

Let's Connect

Join our team or collaborate with us.

otosleepresearch@cumc.columbia.edu