Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrom (OSAS) but therapy adherence is often low. The hypothesis that CPAPadherence and clinical outcomes can be improved by either using an autoadjusting-CPAP (APAP) device or an intensive support was tested.A controlled parallel group study was performed with 100 newly diagnosed OSAS patients, randomised into 4 groups (n525 each): standard or intensive support plus either APAP or CPAP. Intensive support included education and monthly home visits for 6 months. Clinical outcome was monitored by polysomnography at CPAP initiation and, after 3 and 9 months, compliance data were downloaded from the CPAP devices.After 9 months, intensively supported patients returned for follow-up in 88 versus 68% in the standard-support-group. Daily usage (mean¡SEM 5. In summary, intensive support after continuous positive airway pressure initiation, rather than the application of autoadjusting-continuous positive airway pressure, increased therapy adherence.

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