Name
#190 Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Adherence in Active-Duty Personnel: A Comparison of CPAP and Oral Appliance Compliance with Civilian Rates
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
USPHS
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Wellbeing, Trending/Hot Topics or Other not listed
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome 1: Analyze OSA Prevalence and Impact
Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate the significant burden of obstructive sleep apnea in military populations, including the ability to cite prevalence rates (51.2-62.7%) and identify key factors that differentiate military OSA patients from civilian populations, such as deployment-related stressors, PTSD comorbidity, and operational tempo effects on sleep health.
Learning Outcome 2: Compare Treatment Adherence Patterns
Upon completion, participants will be able to compare and contrast CPAP adherence rates between military personnel and civilian populations, demonstrating understanding of baseline military adherence (39.7%), civilian ranges (30-60%), and the potential for improvement to 60% with enhanced interventions, while recognizing the limitations and variables that affect cross-population comparisons.
Learning Outcome 3: Design Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
Upon completion, participants will be able to develop comprehensive screening and intervention protocols for military OSA management, incorporating early detection strategies, enhanced education programs, and multi-modal treatment approaches (CPAP, oral appliances, or combination therapy) that address the unique needs of military personnel and optimize both treatment adherence and operational readiness outcomes.
Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate the significant burden of obstructive sleep apnea in military populations, including the ability to cite prevalence rates (51.2-62.7%) and identify key factors that differentiate military OSA patients from civilian populations, such as deployment-related stressors, PTSD comorbidity, and operational tempo effects on sleep health.
Learning Outcome 2: Compare Treatment Adherence Patterns
Upon completion, participants will be able to compare and contrast CPAP adherence rates between military personnel and civilian populations, demonstrating understanding of baseline military adherence (39.7%), civilian ranges (30-60%), and the potential for improvement to 60% with enhanced interventions, while recognizing the limitations and variables that affect cross-population comparisons.
Learning Outcome 3: Design Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
Upon completion, participants will be able to develop comprehensive screening and intervention protocols for military OSA management, incorporating early detection strategies, enhanced education programs, and multi-modal treatment approaches (CPAP, oral appliances, or combination therapy) that address the unique needs of military personnel and optimize both treatment adherence and operational readiness outcomes.
Session Currently Live
Description
Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea significantly impacts military personnel by approximately 51.2% up to 62.7% depending on different studies and criteria. Studies indicate miliary personnel who are placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy can adhere to the therapy at approximately 39.7%. Which is affected by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), deployments, comorbid conditions, and the OSA severity. Compared to civilians who have varying adherence rates. Intervention to increase early identification of OSA post deployment or prior to deployment can increase the detection, therapy and education to increase military personnel adherence to CPAP or find other treatment such as oral appliances to treat OSA. In civilian populations: Studies typically report adherence rates ranging from 30-60% when using the standard definition of adherence (≥4 hours per night for ≥70% of nights). As for Military populations: Limited studies suggest adherence rates may be between 10-20 percentage points higher than civilian rates, potentially reaching 50-70% in some cohorts. There are limitations to the studies as each population is reviewed separately, the study criteria or adherence varies, and the overall population varies based on demographics and accessibility of treatment. Based on systemic review of current research CPAP adherence rates can improved from baseline 39.7% to 60% among military personnel if they received enhanced education and early intervention protocols. In conclusion, the findings support the importance of early intervention in OSA screening protocols for military personnel following deployments. Military personnel can improve cognitive performance when there is early identification and treatment of OSA and reduce risk and improve overall military readiness. Using a CPAP machine and oral appliance either separately or in combination can help treat OSA in military personnel.