The effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on nasal patency.

Background: Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. To our knowledge, no study has demonstrated a change in objective or subjective nasal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after a therapeutic trial of CPAP therapy.

Methods: This prospective nonrandomized trial tested the hypothesis that CPAP therapy would result in both objective and subjective improvements in nasal patency in patients with OSA.