Impact, Perception, Role and Expectations of Sleep Partners of Patients Suffering from Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Treated at Home by CPAP: Results of a Large Scale Study of More than 900 Patients

ABSTRACT

Objective: Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder requiring treatment by CPAP. The impact of sleep apnea and how the condition and its treatment are perceived by partners have been studied in small populations. However, few large scale studies have focused on the role and expectations of partners of patients treated with CPAP.

Methods: descriptive study of responses to questionnaires sent to 2,059 patients treated for Sleep apnea by CPAP for 6 months and to their partners.

Results: 922 questionnaires returned by patients, 673 by partners. 37% sought medical help for the first time upon the partner's initiative. Male patients evoke the breathing pauses occurring at night reported by their partner and a decrease in sexual activity. Female patients focus more on the quality of sleep, tiredness and signs relating to depression. Male patients were more often accompanied by their sleep partner than female patients. For 80% of patients, the partner had a positive effect on initiation of the treatment. Sleep partners talk openly with the patients about the treatment (93%) and encourage them to continue with it (93%). For sleep partners, the benefits of treatment are essentially felt with respect to the quality of sleep. Overall, the benefits of the treatment outweigh the constraints.

Conclusions: Sleep apnea and CPAP undoubtedly have an effect on partners. The latter play an important role in the initiation and continuation of the treatment.

Practice Implications: Patients and partners have specific expectations which must be taken into account by doctors and Home Care Providers.