Quality of Life in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea by CPAP Therapy Status: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

¹University Hospital Centre Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, Osijek, 31000, Croatia
²Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Crkvena 21, 
Osijek, 31000, Croatia

³Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, Osijek, 31000, Croatia
⁴Medical School Osijek, Vukovarska cesta 209,
Osijek, 31000, Croatia
⁵Department of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences in Bjelovar, Trg Eugena Kvaternika 4, Bjelovar, 43000, Croatia

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a frequently underdiagnosed condition characterized by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life (QoL), while continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment. This study aimed to examine the impact of CPAP therapy on the quality of life of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital Centre Osijek in 100 patients with moderate to severe OSA, comparing pre-CPAP and post-CPAP (≥3 months) groups. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the SF-36 health-related quality of life instrument.

Results: Compared with the pre-CPAP group, patients using CPAP therapy for at least three months demonstrated significantly better physical functioning (P = 0.03), mental health (P = 0.02), vitality
(P = 0.05), and fewer limitations due to physical (P = 0.02) and emotional problems (P = 0.03). CPAP users also reported less frequent fatigue (P = 0.02), better mood (P = 0.02), and greater satisfaction with social functioning (P = 0.01). Regular CPAP users demonstrated better physical functioning (P = 0.05) and fewer limitations due to physical (P = 0.02) and emotional problems (P = 0.03) than occasional users. Compared with women, men reported better quality of life both before and after CPAP therapy, including better physical functioning (P = 0.03) and better mental health after therapy (P = 0.04).

Conclusion: Patients with OSA receiving CPAP therapy reported significantly better quality of life than those not receiving CPAP therapy, particularly in the domains of physical and mental functioning. Regular CPAP use was associated with better quality of life, especially with improved physical functioning and fewer physical and emotional limitations. Compared with men, women reported poorer quality of life both before and after CPAP therapy, with greater physical and emotional limitations.