title: [Long-term follow-up of CPAP therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].
abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate compliance of CPAP therapy in obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP therapy was adjusted in one night in the hospital. 104 patients (age 54.5 +/- 9.3 years) were asked by a standardized questionnaire for acceptance and side effects. 80% of the patients use CPAP regularly for 5.6 +/- 1.8 hours during the night. 51% use CPAP during the whole night. Patients and relatives report an improvement in clinical symptoms. The rate of side effects was high, only 11% were without any side effects. Major problems were skin problems under the CPAP mask (53%), 44% of patients reported dryness of the mouth, and 40% had problems with the noise of the unit. The rate of side effects as well as the short adjustment period for CPAP therapy did not seem to influence compliance.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Innere Medizin V, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hohenhaus-Beer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gleixner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fichter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*