Strategies to improve continuous positive airway pressure compliance: A review

Abstract

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard of treatment for patients diagnosed with significant Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Although CPAP is highly effective in preventing the repetitive upper airway collapses in OSA, compliance to treatment is poor, which in turn leads to poorer health outcomes. In this study an extensive review of the literature was completed using the Cochrane library, CINAHL, PubMed and Embase databases. The research objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of interventions designed to increase compliance with CPAP. The themes that were found to be effective in increasing compliance with CPAP were increased patient education and intensive patient support. Improvements in CPAP compliance will positive impact patients, patient’s families and the health care system. In conclusion, the evidence points to the necessity of implementation of an intensive patient education and patient support program for all OSA patients.