Couples-Directed Sleep Interventions Improve CPAP Use in OSA Patients

Couples-directed sleep interventions that promote interaction and support between partners aids in adherence to the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a recent study.Most adults sleep with a partner. However, interventions aimed at improving sleep have largely focused on individuals. Therefore, the researchers aimed to evaluate possible couples-directed sleep interventions involving the use of CPAP.

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In their study, the researchers assessed 20 patients with OSA, along with their partners. Joint qualitative interviews were conducted with each couple, one couple at a time. Each interview was audio recorded and transcribed, and interview data was analyzed via conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results indicated that factors that facilitated the use of CPAP included the partner assisting in diagnosis and treatment, couples working together using CPAP, the perceived benefits of CPAP for both partners, patient motivation to use CPAP for the partner’s benefit, and several types of support given by the partner to encourage CPAP use.

However, the researchers also found several major barriers to the use of CPAP. Barriers included anxiety related to the use of CPAP, especially at the start of therapy; bothersome equipment causing disruptions in sleep and bedtime routine; interruptions to intimacy; and concern about image change while wearing CPAP.

“Findings from this study suggest that couple-directed interventions that advocate for a mutually engaging perspective and promote supportive relationships and positive dyadic coping may be targets for improving CPAP adherence,” the researchers concluded. “Further research evaluating the potential of couple-focused interventions to improve sleep health is warranted.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Ye L, Antonelli MT, Willis DG, Kayser K, Malhotra A, Patel SR. Couples’ experiences with continuous positive airway pressure treatment: a dyadic perspective [Published online July 25, 2017]. Sleep Health. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2017.07.003.