Compliance After Re-Prescription for Positive Airway Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Who Failed Positive Airway Pressure Therapy.

Background and objectives: Little is known about studies evaluating positive airway pressure (PAP) compliance after re-prescription. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate PAP compliance after re-prescription in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who failed initial PAP therapy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed OSA patients who had received a re-prescription for PAP from March 2020 to June 2021. We compared the compliance rate between initial prescription and re-prescription for PAP and investigated the reasons for PAP failure after the first prescription.

Results: A total of 10 consecutive OSA patients (mean age=45.6±13.7 years and male:female=8:2) who received a re-prescription for PAP were included. Of them, 8 patients (80%) met the compliance criteria (i.e., Korean National Health Insurance criteria) for PAP after re-prescription. The compliance rate increased from 36.3±18.2% (initial prescription) to 61.3±28.8% (re-prescription); this was not of statistical significance (p=0.074). PAP/mask-related discomfort was the most common reason for PAP failure, followed by nasal obstruction, unintentional mask removal, and pressure-related discomfort.

Conclusion: Even if initial PAP therapy fails, the proportion of patients who meet the compliance criteria may be improved through various forms of clinical aid and support after re-prescription of PAP.