Early CPAP use identifies subsequent adherence to CPAP therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between specific factors such as sex and early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use, and 30-day adherence to CPAP therapy.


METHODS
Retrospective study conducted at a single center in southeast Michigan.


METHODS
One hundred patients with obstructive sleep apnea who were recently initiated on CPAP therapy with electronic adherence information relayed from the CPAP device to a laboratory-based computer through telephone modem.


METHODS
N/A.


RESULTS
An empiric threshold value of objective CPAP use of greater than 4 hours per night measured 3 days following CPAP initiation was predictive of level of CPAP adherence measured 30 days later. Furthermore, CPAP adherence was directly proportional to age (R = 0.25, P = .018). There were no sex-related differences in adherence to CPAP therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term adherence to CPAP therapy can be predicted as early as 3 days following CPAP initiation. The study also demonstrates that younger age and African-American race are independently associated with lower CPAP adherence.
Budhiraja
Rohit
R
Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SAVAHCS), 3601 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA. rohit.budhiraja@va.gov
Parthasarathy
Sairam
S
Drake
Christopher L
CL
Roth
Thomas
T
Sharief
Imran
I
Budhiraja
Pooja
P
Saunders
Victoria
V
Hudgel
David W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013686:Telemetry