[Level of compliance in the treatment of sleep obstructive apnea syndrome with nasal continuous positive pressure].

The therapy of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) eliminates symptoms of OSAS and is currently the non-surgical therapy of choice. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the compliance with such therapy in our setting, the factors associated with it, and the secondary effects. A sample of 88 patients diagnosed with OSAS and undergoing CPAP followed for a period of 29 +/- 11 months was studied. The results showed that compliance among our patients, as measured by time counter, was 70% and was associated with drowsiness degree, apnea/hypopnea index, and mean pressure of CPAP. The subjective evaluation of compliance by patients overestimates the actual use of the CPAP device. There was a high satisfaction degree with therapy, and secondary effects were not a limiting factor for compliance. The therapeutical approach of the patient must be on an individual basis if a good acceptance level is to be achieved.