Personalized Feedback to Improve CPAP Adherence in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is effectively treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Low rates of CPAP adherence led to the development of a personalized feedback intervention requiring minimal provider burden. In a comparison of the intervention to standard information, group differences failed to reach significance. Explanations for the findings include low power, that machines were not provided, and an atypical sample. Effect sizes were medium to large at 2 weeks, suggesting that sufficiently powered studies may be warranted.

Notes

^aEducation in years.

^bIncome expressed as median household income, estimated from ZIP code.

^cCPAP prescribed pressure at baseline, in H₂O cm of pressure.

^dSleepiness was measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale administered at baseline.

^eBMI measured as kg/m².

^aMean difference plus or minus 95% CI of the mean difference.

^bThe 95% CI for the effect size estimate, Cohen's d: 95% CI(d) (Cohen, 1988).

^cAlthough the CPAP machine records the number of sessions, this may not be equivalent to days used if participants used the machine twice in 1 day (e.g., naps).