Abstract
Aims: To investigate the effect of mask leak on adherence with CPAP therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Methods: We studied 63 patients (mean Age 55±11yrs, mean BMI 36±7kg/sqm, mean AHI 48±30/hr, ESS 11±5) who received fixed or auto-adjusted CPAP treatment for OSAS at our institution. All patients underwent a standardized educational session and mask fitting by experienced staff. Data on treatment adherence and mask leakage was collected for approximately 6 months after initiation of CPAP.
Results: Mean ± standard deviation days of CPAP use was 176±82 days, percentage of days with CPAP usage 84±18%, and percentage of days with at least 4 hours CPAP use/night 71±24%. There was a significant inverse relationship between CPAP adherence using Kribbs criteria and average time spent with mask leak per night (r =-0.362, p<0.01). Patients with good adherence (n = 42), defined as CPAP use > 4 hours per night on at least 5 days per week, were compared with those who used their device less frequently (n = 21). There were no significant differences between baseline characteristics, residual AHI or therapeutic CPAP pressure between groups. Patients with poor CPAP adherence, however, had significantly higher average mask leakage flow (39±8 litres/min vs. 34±6 litres/min, p < 0.01) and higher time spent with mask leakage per night (3.7±6 min/night vs. 7.7±10 min/night, p < 0.05) than those with good adherence.
Conclusion: Mask leakage may influence treatment adherence with CPAP for OSAS.
- © 2011 ERS
