Long-term prediction of adherence to continuous positive air pressure therapy for the treatment of moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

• Published in: Sleep medicine 2018-03, Vol.43, p.66-70
• Main Authors: Baratta, Francesco, Pastori, Daniele, Bucci, Tommaso, Fabiani, Mario, Fabiani, Valerio, Brunori, Marco, Loffredo, Lorenzo, Lillo, Rossella, Pannitteri, Gaetano, Angelico, Francesco, Del Ben, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adherence to treatment; Continuous positive air pressure; Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
• ISSN: 1389-9457; 1878-5506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.09.032

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). However, poor adherence is a limiting factor, and a significant proportion of patients are unable to tolerate CPAP. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of long-term non-compliance with CPAP. CPAP treatment was prescribed to all consecutive patients with moderate or severe OSAS (AHI ≥15 events/h) (n = 295) who underwent a full-night CPAP titration study at home between February 1, 2002 and December 1, 2016. Adherence was defined as CPAP use for at least 4 h per night and five days per week. Subjects had periodical follow-up visits including clinical and biochemical evaluation and assessment of adherence to CPAP. Median follow-up observation was 74.8 (24.2/110.9) months. The percentage of OSAS patients adhering to CPAP was 41.4% (42.3% in males and 37.0% in females), and prevalence was significantly higher in severe OSAS than in moderate (51.8% vs. 22.1%; p