Monitoring Seasonal Compliance of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using CPAP Systems via SD Card

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition marked by repeated airway collapse during sleep.
• This collapse can lead to serious neurological and cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate seasonal variations in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy adherence among Greek OSA patients.
• To identify factors influencing CPAP compliance throughout the year.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CPAP usage data from 954 OSA patients across summer and winter months.
• Evaluation of parameters including Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), mask type, mask leaks, and device usage duration.

Main Results:

• Overall compliance was 57.7%, with 22.1% non-compliance. Seasonal differences were noted, with some patients compliant only in summer (8.2%) or winter (12%).
• Compliance was linked to CPAP duration, BMI under 25, and nasal/pillow mask usage.
• Higher compliance correlated with lower summer severity and specific winter severity levels (low and severe).

Conclusions:

• CPAP device data offers valuable insights into seasonal compliance patterns for OSA patients.
• Strategies to enhance adherence include promoting nasal/pillow masks and auto CPAP devices, particularly addressing lower summer compliance.