Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has been the therapy of choice for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the past 25 years. CPAP therapy is safe and effective; nevertheless, research has shown that CPAP compliance or therapy adherence is less than optimal. Patients have a tendency to show initial acceptance to the therapy that gradually tapers off. Below are 5 keys to successful therapy.
1
Patient Education
Research has shown patient education to be of utmost importance when increasing CPAP compliance. A well-educated patient is a confident patient and will be better able to deal with any issues that may arise.
During the therapy initiation, a comprehensive explanation on how the CPAP equipment works, as well as an in-depth tutorial on the mask and headgear, will go a long way in increasing therapy compliance. For many first time users breathing out against the pressure will seem difficult. The overpressure of air into the airway serves as a pneumatic splint that prevents the upper airway from collapsing, but the novel sensation of the continuous pressure may take some time getting used to.
2
Choose Your Mask Wisely
Perhaps the most important decision to successful CPAP therapy relates to the choice of nasal mask. It is important to give patients a choice of mask and the opportunity to practice breathing on each of the available masks.
Mask types range from nasal masks, to nasal pillows, to full face masks. Certain factors, such as nasal congestion, breathing through the mouth, claustrophobia, or issues with things touching the patient’s face may dictate which mask type would be most beneficial.
3
Staying In Touch
It has been shown that once the patient has taken the CPAP home, close follow-up is a key determinant in compliance.
Access to the healthcare professionals and a clear understanding of how and where to contact them greatly increases the chances of successful CPAP therapy. Proactive support from the professionals is also a key component. The patients should be contacted regularly and patients should be encouraged to call the professionals at the first sign of trouble.
4
Keep Your Appointments
If issues arise, the patients should schedule an appointment with the sleep specialists to both go over their experiences with the CPAP and to check the equipment to see whether it is in good, working condition and properly assembled. During the office visit, technicians can download usage data from the CPAP machine and work with the patients based on their level of success with the CPAP therapy.
5
Join a Local Support Group
Mutual-help support groups are available in most states to offer people affected by sleep apnea an opportunity to meet and discuss their concerns with others with sleep apnea. The American Sleep Apnea Association American Sleep Apnea Association organizes the A.W.A.K.E. Network. A.W.A.K.E. stands for Awake, Well and Keeping Energetic and its role is to assist patients, their families, and the healthcare community concerned with sleep apnea.
