Automated Graduated CPAP (AGPAP) for Improved Adherence in Newly Diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Patients

Although positive airway pressure (PAP) is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea, adherence to therapy remains an obstacle. Automated Graduated CPAP (AGPAP), also know as EZ-start, is an extended duration ramp, where the patient receives pressure below their prescription during an acclimation phase. The algorithm gradually increases pressure to therapy level based on usage. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the AGPAP acclimation period and its impact on short term adherence.

Even though CPAP is highly effective in treating sleep apnea, adherence to CPAP therapy remains the largest single obstacle to the successful resolution of sleep-disordered breathing in OSA patients. It has been estimated that up to 50% of patients who have been prescribed CPAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are not using the treatment one year later. A myriad of possible causes for low compliance rates have been proposed and examined in previous studies. These include race, gender, education level, income, bed-partner's sleep quality, mask discomfort, continuity of care, nasal irritation, discomfort due to elevated expiratory pressure, and level of daytime sleepiness. Therefore, many investigators have proposed new methods and approaches to help deal with these problems. Interventions have ranged from people-centric approaches using intensive CPAP education and follow-up programs, to device modifications using features such as a ramp, C-FLEX®, BiLevel therapy, and heated humidification. In this study. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Automated Graduated CPAP (AGPAP), also know as EZ-start acclimation period, and its impact on short term adherence