The effect of one versus two nights of in-laboratory continuous positive airway pressure titration on continuous positive airway pressure compliance.

Objective: To investigate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance after one versus two nights of CPAP titration.

Method: A chart review and a telephone questionnaire interview were conducted in 110 sleep apnea patients who received one or two nights of CPAP titration. Of these patients, 78 followed through with phone interview.

Results: There was no difference in CPAP compliance between those who had one or two nights of CPAP titration. The titration pressures on the first and second nights were not significantly different. But there was significant improvement in sleep efficiency from the first to the second diagnostic night.

Conclusion: One versus two nights of CPAP titration did not affect CPAP compliance, but sleep efficiency improved on the second diagnostic night and an extra titration study may be necessary for some patients, especially those with only one diagnostic night.