Compliance in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with nasal continuous positive pressure

The therapy of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) eliminates symptoms of OSAS and is currently the non-surgical therapy of choice. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the compliance with such therapy in our setting, the factors associated with it, and the secondary effects. A sample of 88 patients diagnosed with OSAS and undergoing CPAP followed for a period of 29 +/- 11 months was studied. The results showed that compliance among our patients, as measured by time counter, was 70% and was associated with drowsiness degree, apnea/hypopnea index, and mean pressure of CPAP. The subjective evaluation of compliance by patients overestimates the actual use of the CPAP device. There was a high satisfaction degree with therapy, and secondary effects were not a limiting factor for compliance. The therapeutical approach of the patient must be on an individual basis if a good aceptance level is to be achieved.