Positive Airway Pressure and Mask Factors Affecting Adherence in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose: Sleep apnea is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the main treatment for sleep apnea. However, adherence with CPAP remains a concern. Although there are various factors attributed to failure of CPAP therapy, mask related factors are not well studied. Methods: The study recruited patients with obstructive sleep apnea using CPAP from neurology outpatient clinic at Progressive Neurology and Sleep Center. An IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved questionnaire was administered to evaluate factors affecting CPAP compliance. Results: The study recruited 24 patients. It showed that almost 50% of the patients did not like using CPAP, 70.8% patients felt that the mask bothered them in sleep. Almost 67% of the patients felt sleepy at least on some days and 71% of the patients took naps, though occasionally. 87.5% of the patients had experienced dry mouth with CPAP. 91.8% of patients wanted to consider custom fit CPAP masks. Conclusion: The study showed that mask related factors play a major role in non-compliance with CPAP therapy. Designing a custom fit CPAP mask might help reduce the mask related factors further increasing CPAP adherence.