Improving Compliance for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Compliance and Possible Influencing Factors / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Though continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary treatment modality and improves mortality and quality of life for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), its compliance is surprisingly low and limits its overall effectiveness in OSAS treatments. This paper is focused on examining a multiplicity of possible factors associated with compliance to CPAP. Recent studies revealed that factors that influence compliance to CPAP include disease severity, patient characteristics, equipment-related, psychological and social factors, and side effects. Relative scarcity of evidence about the effect of upper airway problem on compliance is also noted. In consideration of multi-factorial nature, multidisciplinary approach is needed for enhancing CPAP compliance.