[Long-term follow-up of CPAP therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

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.