Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major public health problem that, if untreated, can be deadly.
Despite the proven reliability of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in treating OSA, resistance and intolerance to CPAP poses limitations to its use. However, access to specialized services with a structured management protocol for OSA and close follow-up in a sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) improves CPAP compliance and is a model for development in sleep centers, according to a research abstract presented at SLEEP 2007, the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).
The study, conducted by Siva Ramachandran, MD, of the Sleep Wellness Center of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, focused on 64 patients with OSA, who were initially evaluated by a board certified sleep specialist and subsequently followed by a certified respiratory therapist. The subjects were educated about OSA and received printed AASM brochures on sleep apnea. The educational program was reinforced by technologists prior to their sleep studies. CPAP desensitization and mask fittings were conducted, followed by a specialized CPAP clinic where patients watched a video, were fitted with masks and received their CPAP with downloadable compliance cards. All patients had open access to the center and were seen on follow up at one month.
It was discovered that 51 patients (80 percent) used CPAP for more than four hours per night.