Compliance, Side Effects and Results of CPAP Therapy in Cases with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in obstructi­ve sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an efficient method. Epworth Sleepiness Scale and a standard questionnaire were applied to 23 cases (mean age: 57.6±10.7 years; 17 (73.9%) male, 6 (26.1%) fe­male) diagnosed as OSAS with full polysomnography who were prescribed to use CPAP between May 1999 and January 2001. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 3O.7±5.9 kg/m2 in males and 34.4+8.9 kg/m2 in females, mean apne-hypopnea index (AHI) was 48.9±24-1 and mean duration of CPAP therapy was 234.2±212.6 days (18-810). Fourteen (60.8%) patients were using CPAP for > 6 hours a night in seven days a week. The most common side effect was hyperaemia and erosion of the nose. Dryness of the eyes and up­per airways, awaking at night and noise associated with CPAP we­re more rare complaints. Mean score of Epworth Sleepiness Scale before CPAP therapy was 15.1 ±5.1 and after therapy it was 5.5±4.6. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.000). No statistical significant correlation was detected between the score after CPAP usage and the duration of CPAP therapy (p=0.274). Symptoms li­ke snoring daytime sleepiness and witnessed apnea were found to be significantly decreased. In conclusion, although side effects predo­minantly associated with nasal masks limit usage in patients using CPAP, subjective improvement in symptoms is a factor increasing patient compliance.