AutoCPAP initiation at home: optimal trial duration and cost-effectiveness

The duration of automatic computer-controlled continuous positive airway pressure device (autoCPAP) initiation at home varies largely between sleep centers. Our objectives were to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and to find the optimal trial duration.

Of the 206 consecutive CPAP-naive patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, who were referred to our hospital, 166 received autoCPAP for a 5-day trial at home.

Of the 166 patients, 89 (15 women) showed a successful 5-day autoCPAP trial (normalized oximetry and mask-on time exceeding 4 h/day for at least 4 days). For the first trial day, 88 (53%) patients had normalized oximetry and a mask-on time exceeding 4 h. A 1-day autoCPAP trial EUR 668 was less cost-effective than a 5-day trial EUR 653, with no differences in values of efficient CPAP pressure or residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The systematic requirement of oximetry monitoring raised the cost considerably from EUR 481 to EUR 668.

In selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the optimal duration for initiating CPAP therapy at home by autoCPAP is 5 days. Although a 1-day trial was sufficient to determine the CPAP pressure requirement, it was not cost-effective and had a high rate of failure.