A Pilot Study of CPAP Adherence Promotion by Peer Buddies With Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition in veterans with some estimates as high as 47%. Poor adherence to the primary treatment of OSA -- continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy - is associated with increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and even death. The investigators plan to improve CPAP adherence in veterans through their interactions with peers who have successfully adopted CPAP therapy. Such "peer-buddies" may promote the well-being of veterans while remaining highly cost-effective when compared to healthcare providers. Our strategy is grounded on the rationale that veterans as a group are ecoculturally more homogenous than expected for the given level of differences in age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic strata. Our long-term objectives are to initiate a larger, multi-site, research study for enhancing CPAP adherence in veterans with OSA. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a cheap, effective and exportable system of care to promote CPAP adherence in patients with OSA.