Disease characteristics and adherence to treatment with continous positive airway pressure in men and women severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep disorder worldwide. According to many authors, this disease affects > 10% of the middle-aged population, with a higher prevalence in men than in women. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered to be the main method of treatment for OSA. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of OSA in women and men and to assess the factors that influence patient adherence to treatment of OSA with the use of CPAP. Material and Methods: The study included 30 consecutive women and 30 men who were diagnosed with severe OSA on the basis of generally accepted criteria and who started treatment with CPAP. Analyzed data included survey data such as age, BMI, the presence of complications characteristic for OSA and selected parameters of polysomnography. In the second stage of the study, after a year of treatment with CPAP, a control visit was carried out, assessing the regularity and effectiveness of treatment with CPAP in men and women. Results: We showed that women with severe OSA are older and had a considerable delay in OSA diagnosis despite evident OSA related symptoms. Furthermore, women had a lower adherence to CPAP treatment than men. The most important reason for discontinuation of treatment was the discomfort related with the pressure generated by the CPAP device and aesthetic issues related with CPAP use. Conclusions: Our results show the limited efficacy of treatment of OSA in women.