Unexpected Resolution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea after Nasal Surgery in a Patient Nonadherent to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy

Abstract

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended as first-line therapy in cases of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prevents upper airway obstruction and abolishes apnea or hypopnea events during sleep. But up to 50% of OSA patients may be nonadherent to CPAP due to various causes, including nasal obstruction. Nasal surgery may improve CPAP compliance in some OSA patients but is not regarded as OSA therapy. Here, I report a patient non-adherent to CPAP whose sleep apnea resolved unexpectedly after nasal surgery to increase adherence to CPAP.

Keywords

• continuous positive airway pressure
• adherence
• obstructive sleep apnea
• nasal surgery