Abnormalities on Nasal Exam Associated with Decreased CPAP Tolerance and Use

Sleep Apnea Research Group

Principal Investigators: N. Husen, MD; E.M. Weaver, MD

Abstract: “Poor tolerance and inadequate use are the greatest limitations to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This retrospective cohort study evaluated 306 patients who were prescribed CPAP therapy for sleep apnea at the University of Washington’s Sleep Disorders Center during the period January 2000 thru August 2002. Nasal exam findings, polysomnography and CPAP data were extracted from medical charts.

Conclusions: “Patients with an abnormal nasal exam, but not nasal symptoms, were found to have decreased CPAP use and tolerance. This fact should be confirmed with a prospective cohort study. These data suggest that treatment of nasal conditions should be considered before prescribing CPAP as this may improve CPAP tolerance and use.”