Educating OSA patients about continuous positive airway pressure critical to successful treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition in which enhancement of patient self-efficacy is critical for long-term management.

One of the most important ways to help these patients manage their OSA is to effectively educate them about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the most common and effective treatment for OSA, according to a research abstract presented at SLEEP 2007, the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).

The study, authored by Wendy Moore, of the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, was based on interviews with 12 patients with newly-diagnosed OSA to learn more about their initial experiences. Moore found that two-thirds of patients approached their evaluation with a hope for improvement in their overall quality of life. However, Moore also found widely varying reactions to CPAP. Fifty percent were open to CPAP, while 25 percent expressed outright fear and 17 percent disappointment. Forty-two percent viewed CPAP as the lesser of two evils.

"The study participants recognized the impact of sleep apnea on their quality of life. The significant number of negative initial responses suggests that the ability to effectively educate patients about CPAP is of paramount importance," said Moore.

Persons who think they might be suffering from OSA, or another sleep disorder, are encouraged to consult with their primary care physician, who will refer them to a sleep specialist.

OSA affects an estimated 15 million to 20 million Americans, as well as millions more who remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Scientific evidence shows that CPAP is the best treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air to patients through a mask that they wear during sleep. This airflow keeps the airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize OSA and restoring normal oxygen levels.