Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this Continuing Education Course, you will be able to:

• Define and discuss CPAP
• Explain what is meant by “compliance” in the context of CPAP treatment
• Discuss why compliance is so important
• List and discuss the factors that affect compliance rates
• Identify the actions that caregivers can take to increase patient compliance

Introduction

This course presents you with a variety of readings from a variety of viewpoints regarding the issues associated with patient compliance with their CPAP instructions.

What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?


Snoring Problems
Forty-five percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and overweight persons and it usually grows worse with age. Snoring sounds are caused when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose.

Only recently have the adverse medical effects of snoring and its association with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) been recognized. Various methods are used to alleviate snoring and/or OSA. They include behavior modification, sleep positioning, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP), and jaw adjustment techniques.