Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment: Let’s Talk about Partners!

Abstract

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The benefits of this therapy were studied and analyzed over time; patient adherence is often poor, as many factors negatively influence it. A topic that needs clarification is whether adherence to CPAP treatment in a patient with OSA is influenced by the behavior of a partner or spouse. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to evaluate the role of partner involvement in the CPAP treatment management in a patient with OSA. The research project was performed between August and September 2021 by consulting the main biomedical databases: CINHAL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Results: Among 21 articles considered valid for our aim, 15 are qualitative studies, 5 are quantitative and 1 presents a mixed method. We identified several thematic areas and “key” elements, which are prevalent in the studies evaluated. Conclusions: The presence of a partner promotes adherence to CPAP therapy in patients with OSA, resulting in ameliorating their overall quality of life. To increase CPAP adherence, a trained nurse could represent a reference figure to technically and emotionally support couples during the adaptation period and in the long term.

Pharmacotherapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Coupled Life: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study of a Complex Interaction

“…The importance of the bed partner for the patient is also fundamental as the support and inclusion of the spouse in the chronicity of a pathology such as OSA plays a key role within the couple [ 21 ]. A positive closed loop interaction develops within the couple.…”

“…OSA is a problem that also affects partners [ 20 , 21 ]. Many patients sleep with a stable partner, and OSA often is characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops.…”

Moving toward Equitable Care for Sleep Apnea in the United States: Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Thresholds: An Official American Thoracic Society Policy Statement

“…Family and community support are important factors for adherence. Partner support has been previously shown to be associated with adherence, and those without partners are more likely to have a lower income and education and may require additional support to reach and maintain PAP adherence ( 99 – 101 ). Using family and other social support structures to improve adherence could help eliminate disparities.…”

Adherence to CPAP Treatment: Can Mindfulness Play a Role?

“…Mindfulness is defined as being in the moment and aware of one’s thoughts and emotions. Living in the present moment through mindfulness practices can be a state or a trait characteristic that is an important element for a healthy life [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Mindfulness-based therapies have been used in order to improve insomnia and sleep quality, especially in individuals who prefer these types of therapies and those with an expectation of benefit [ 23 ].…”