Study objectives

The impact of direct mail order sales of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, accentuated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on PAP adherence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea remains unclear. In this study we compared the impact of different modes of continuous positive airway pressure delivery on adherence and daytime symptoms. We hypothesized that adherence would not be affected by remote PAP setup, aided by telehealth technology.

Methods

Three groups were studied: 1) standard group PAP setup (3-4 people); 2) direct home shipment of PAP, followed by telehealth interactions; 3) direct home shipment of PAP, during the COVID-19 pandemic where delivery choice was removed. Demographics, sleepiness, PAP data, and insurance information were also compared.

Results

A total of 666 patients were studied in 3 groups. 1) Standard group PAP setup had 225 patients and adherence with PAP (% of nights used more than 4 hours) was 65.3 ± 2.1%. 2) Direct home shipment of PAP group had 231 patients, and adherence was 54.2 ± 2.4%. 3) Direct mailed PAP units during the COVID-19 pandemic group had 210 patients, and adherence was 55.9 ± 2.5%. Adherence was lower in both groups receiving home shipments compared to those in groups in-center (analysis of variance, Tukey, P = .002). Discontinuation of PAP was less in the in-center group setup patients (χ2 = 10.938 P ≤ .001).

Conclusions

Patients receiving direct home PAP shipments had lower adherence and were more likely to discontinue PAP compared to standard in-person setup.

Citation

Stanchina M, Lincoln J, Prenda S, et al. The impact of different CPAP delivery approaches on nightly adherence and discontinuation rate in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(8):2023-2027.