OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of augmentation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) education and support on compliance and outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, parallel study of basic versus augmented CPAP education and support. SETTING: A university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 108 OSA patients randomized into basic-support (BS) and augmented-support (AS) groups. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the BS group (n = 54) were given educational brochures on OSA and CPAP, CPAP education by nurses, CPAP acclimatization, and were reviewed by physicians and nurses at weeks 4 and 12. Patients in the AS group (n = 54) received more education, including a videotape, telephone support by nurses, and early review at weeks 1 and 2. MEASUREMENTS: Objective CPAP compliance, Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI), and cognitive function after 1 month and 3 months; and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) after 3 months of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 +/- 0.2 h/night (mean +/- SEM) versus 5.5 +/- 0.2 h/night in the BS and AS groups, respectively (p = 0.4). At 12 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 +/- 0.3 h/night versus 5.3 +/- 0.2 h/night in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.98). There was greater improvement of SAQLI at 4 weeks (p = 0.008) and at 12 weeks (p = 0.047) in the AS group. There was no significant difference between BS and AS groups in terms of improvement of ESS and cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of CPAP education and support does not increase CPAP compliance, but leads to a greater improvement of quality of life during the reinforced period.

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