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COMPLIANCE AND SIDE-EFFECTS IN SLEEP-APNEA PATIENTS TREATED WITH NASAL CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE WESTERN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE NINOMURCIA, G., McCann, C. C., Bliwise, D. L., Guilleminault, C., Dement, W. C. 1989; 150 (2): 165-169

Abstract

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective therapy for sleep apnea. We treated 144 patients with nasal CPAP and observed them for periods of as long as 25 months. No pneumothoraces occurred in any patient. Compliance rates were between 65% (90/139) and 83% (90/108), depending on the patient population considered. Demographic factors unrelated to discontinuing using CPAP included age, sex, and the presence of a housemate. Better-educated patients were less able to tolerate the equipment. Dry throat and nose and sore eyes were the most common side effects, but only sore eyes related to the amount of pressure. Side effects were unrelated to the number of months on the treatment, and obesity was related to higher pressures. Our study provides optimistic intermediate-term follow-up observations of patients on nasal CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Whether adverse consequences occur over longer periods of time remains to be seen.

View details for Web of Science ID A1989T582300002

View details for PubMedID 2658326

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1026328