Continuous positive airway pressure therapy: New generations.
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Date
2010-02
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Abstract
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea
syndrome (OSAS). However, CPAP is not tolerated by all patients with OSAS and alternative modes
of pressure delivery have been developed to overcome pressure intolerance, thereby improving patient
comfort and adherence. Auto-adjustable positive airway pressure (APAP) devices may be utilised for
the long-term management of OSAS and may also assist in the initial diagnosis of OSAS and titration
of conventional CPAP therapy. Newer modalities such as C-Flex and A-Flex also show promise as
treatment options in the future. However, the evidence supporting the use of these alternative modalities
remains scant, in particular with regard to long-term cardiovascular outcomes. In addition, not all APAP
devices use the same technological algorithms and data supporting individual APAP devices cannot be
extrapolated to support all. Further studies are required to validate the roles of APAP, C-Flex and AFlex.
In the interim, standard CPAP therapy should continue as the mainstay of OSAS management.
Description
Keywords
A-flex, auto-adjustable positive airway pressure (APAP), C-flex, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS)
Citation
Garvey John F, McNicholas Walter T. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy: New generations. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2010 Feb; 131(2): 259-266.