Sleep and Health Journal

CPAP is unquestionably the most successful treatment available for sleep apnea. Unfortunately average use of CPAP is only 4-5 hours/night, not the recommended 7 1/2 hours a night. This can lead to deadly consequences for many reasons. The 25% of patients who wear their CPAP all night every night are not at risk.

A diagnosis of Sleep Apnea will usually result in a CPAP titration and a prescription for a CPAP machine. Finding a comfortable mask can be a daunting task. 60% of all patients prescribed CPAP abandon CPAP therapy entirely and problem related to mask fit is sited as a primary reason.

ResMed Inc. is the world’s second- biggest maker of CPAP machines that help regulate breathing for people with sleeping disorders. They announced a 30% increase in mask sales and an increased net income of 190.1 million up from 146.4 million one year earlier. ResMed also announced a two-for-one split of the company’s outstanding shares of common stock.

An online article "CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems" from May Clinic discusses 10 commn problems with CPAP. Oral Appliances are a comfortable alternative to CPAP. The website www.IHATECPAP.com discusses the dangers of Sleep Apnea and Alternatives to CPAP.

The biggest problem with CPAP is that it is rejected by the majority of patients. This new article points to the additional problem of residual sleep apnea not treated by CPAP. Outcomes were worse when patients had residual apnea and compliance with CPAP use decreased.

From abstract (below):

SLEEP AND HEALTH JOURNAL IS PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN SLEEP APNEA ASSOCIATION FOR ITS NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE EFFECT OF SLEEP APNEA ON COMMERCIAL DRIVERS HEALTH AND SAFETY.

A new article in November 30 issue of The Journal of Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry ( 2009 Nov 30.)