CPAP Compliance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

OSA is a common sleep-related breathing disorder, characterized by frequent interruptions of breathing during sleep and leading public health problem both in the developed and developing nations. However, awareness regarding diagnostic options, management, and consequences of untreated OSA remains inadequate. In developing nations, the resources for adequate sleep medicine facilities are scarce. Therefore, there is a need for low cost, simple and accurate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The most effective treatment for patients with significant OSA has been a CPAP device which delivers positive air pressure to the airway. Despite the efficacy of CPAP for the treatment of OSA, compliance with therapy remains suboptimal. This acts as a physiological splint, thus preventing collapse of the upper airway. Compliance rates were 30−80% from different parts of the globe. The adverse effects of untreated OSA were well documented and have been shown to be reversible with therapy. Therefore, an increase in CPAP compliance is considered clinically relevant. It is important that adherence to CPAP therapy continues to be improved. Increase CPAP compliance is essential thus it is important that adherence to CPAP therapy is enforced. Measures for good CPAP compliance are patient education, a good doctor−patient relationship, role of partner/family, and an intensive follow-up program, which can be addressed through a multidisciplinary team approach.