[Continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea]. / Syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil : le traitement par pression positive continue.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently the most used and efficient therapy in OSAS. Efficiency of CPAP on sleep respiratory disorders is the same whether in fixed or automatic mode. Larger studies are required to evaluate their respective beneficial impact on cardiovascular or metabolic complications of OSAS. Close medical monitoring is necessary during the first weeks of CPAP therapy. Compliance to CPAP therapy is crucial for efficacy in preventing cardiovascular or metabolic complications of OSAS. As beneficial effects of CPAP in obese patients are modest, on blood pressure levels and metabolic disorders, its use has to be part of a comprehensive care of OSAS and related comorbidities.