Two studies in the June 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine examined potential methods to improve adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.  The first study compared 1,032 patients who received group education regarding OSA and CPAP with 1,084 patients who received individual education.  Results show that CPAP adherence was significantly greater in those participating in a group program than those receiving individual education.

The second study involved 39 recently diagnosed patients with OSA and 13 patients with OSA who were experienced CPAP users. Results of the pilot study show that during the 90 days of therapy, weekly CPAP adherence was greater among participants who were randomly assigned to a peer buddy system. A commentary adds that the results of both studies should be interpreted with caution, noting that neither intervention produced levels of adherence that would restore normal functioning.