Study: Technology can shape response to CPAP therapy

ANDOVER, Mass. - Users of SleepMapper, a mobile app and web-based solution from Philips Respironics, have a 22% higher adherence rate to PAP therapy than non-users, according to a study that the company released this week at SLEEP 2014.

“Study results of SleepMapper demonstrate that technology can shape how patients respond to PAP therapy by improving engagement and motivation, and ultimately leading them to a better course of treatment for their chronic condition,” stated Dr. Mark Aloia, senior director of global clinical research for Philips Respironics, in a press release.

SleepMapper provides patients with feedback on their individual adherence and therapy information, and uses empirically tested behavior change therapies to motivate them and keep them interested.

To test the effectiveness of SleepMapper, researchers randomly analyzed more than 15,000 patients from the Philips Respironics EncoreAnywhere database and compared adherence and usage rates between those who were provided with SleepMapper upon initial PAP setup and those who were not. Patients in the first group achieved a 78% adherence rate based on CMS guidelines; those in the second group achieved a 56% rate.

The study also found, for new patients struggling to manage and accept their therapy, 33% of those who were provided with SleepMapper were able to meet adherence guidelines within 90 days, compared to 11% of those who were not provided with the tool.

Finally, the study found patients who were provided with SleepMapper slept an average of 1.4 hours longer on PAP.