Graded exposure therapy for addressing claustrophobic reactions to continuous positive airway pressure: a case series report

Behav Sleep Med. 2007;5(2):105-16. doi: 10.1080/15402000701190572.

Abstract

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a safe, effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and yet many patients develop claustrophobic reactions to the CPAP nasal mask and cannot tolerate this treatment. We examined the efficacy of a graded in-vivo exposure therapy for enhancing CPAP adherence using a retrospective, case series design. Objective CPAP adherence data were obtained on clinical patients who attended 1 or more sessions of exposure therapy with a behavioral sleep psychologist. Compared to pre-treatment, patients used CPAP significantly longer after exposure therapy. No predictors of treatment response were identified. CPAP exposure therapy may be beneficial in some cases; however, further research is needed to determine types of patients most likely to benefit from this therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phobic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Phobic Disorders / etiology*
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Physical Stimulation*
  • Psychotherapy, Rational-Emotive / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy*