Going to bed wearing a CPAP mask may not be a flattering look. But with the support from a caring spouse/partner who is willing to work with the patient to deal with their Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the user is more likely to continue treatment.
“This is the first study in CPAP treatment to show that working together with the partner in an active and supportive manner was associated with better adherence.”according to Kelly Glazer Baron, a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University in a news release from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
The quality of the relationships of 23 married or cohabitating male patients with obstructive sleep apnea were studied. They were evaluated before beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, at the 10-day mark and after three months on therapy.
The male study participants were asked questions about how their female partners helped them adhere to healthy behaviors, such as by encouraging, blaming, working together or reminding (perhaps a gentler term than nagging).
Patients with supportive relationships were the most likely to continue using the device, the researchers found.
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After reading this article, do you have any comments or stories to share with us as to how your partner support you to improve your CPAP adherence and improve your overall emotional and well-being? Did your partner encourage you to get your snoring checked out? Share with us how your spouse reminds you to wear it every night or even cleans your equipment for you everyday. What important role does your partner play in your journey of OSA & CPAP therapy? How do you and your partner work together? We would love to hear them.
Filed under: CPAP Therapy Tagged: | CPAP Therapy, Sleep Apnea, Vancouver
Hope my wife would change when I share this article to her. Thanks!