CPAP Compliance in Indian OSAHS Patients Can Be Improved by Correcting Mask and Humidifier Related Problems.

SESSION TITLE: OSA PostersSESSION TYPE: Poster PresentationsPRESENTED ON: Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 01:15 PM - 02:15 PMPURPOSE: CPAP Compliance in OSAHS is low all over the world. Studies evaluating compliance related issues in Indian patients using CPAP are scarce.

METHODS: 35 patients of moderate to severe OSAHS who agreed to use CPAP after full polysomnography and titration studies between Jan-June 2013 and after 12 weeks were reviewed in OPD and asked to fill a prestructured questionnaire about compliance to PAP therapy. Usage data was downloaded in clinic and verified with patient responses and analysed.

RESULTS: 17% refused to use CPAP despite initially agreeing as they did not feel the need. 27% changed masks (nasal to oronasal) due to mask intolerance. Mask related problems reported in 40%. 41% (12/29) used CPAP for =< 6hrs daily for 70% of days in last 4 weeks. Improved sleep was reported in 72%, reduced daytime sleepiness in 31 %, while 10% reported no improvement after CPAP. Humidifier was used by 21% despite dryness of mouth being reported by 67%. Nearly 2/3rd used battery backup being scared of power failure. Mask was changed by 20% while machine replaced by 2 patients. Only 14% used fixed CPAP while rest chose to use Auto CPAP mode. Only 17.2% felt that they are addicted to machine. Physician advised and data regarding usage of CPAP was downloaded in 27% patients.

CONCLUSIONS: CPAP Compliance is 40% in Indian patients with preference for Auto CPAP with 2/3rd reporting improvement in sleep, snoring and day time symptoms with mask related issues and dryness of mouth being reported in 66.6% patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mask related issues and dryness of mouth are two easily correctable issues for improving compliance in Indian patients.

DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Pallavi Periwal, Mir Ali, Deepak TalwarNo Product/Research Disclosure Information.