A multi-perspective interpretative phenomenological analysis of patient and bed partner experiences with CPAP therapy adaptation in obstructive sleep apnoea

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

Explores the lived experiences of individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and their bed partners during adaptation to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patient–partner dyads across three phases: before CPAP initiation, within the first year, and after more than one year, complemented by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Multi-Perspective Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified illness meaning-making, dyadic relational processes, and the shift from CPAP resistance to acceptance, highlighting partner support, autonomy balance, tensions, and changing motivations over time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Study Aim and Context

CPAP as Gold-Standard Treatment

Challenges in CPAP Adherence

Role of Bed Partners

Theoretical Framework and Methods

Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation

Semi-structured Interviews and Sampling Phases

ESS as Standardized Measure

MP-IPA Data Analysis

Findings and Implications

Superordinate Themes

Relational Dynamics and Illness Representations

Clinical Implications and Future Research

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN A multi-perspective interpretative phenomenological analysis of patient and bed partner experiences with CPAP therapy adaptation in obstructive sleep apnoea Valentina Poletti1,2􀀍, Elvia Giovanna Battaglia2,3,4, Linda Ester Anelli1, Paolo Banfi2 & Eleonora Volpato1,2 This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and their bed partners as they adapted to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), focusing on the psychological, relational, and experiential processes influencing adherence over time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 OSA patients and their bed partners, purposefully sampled across three adaptation phases: before starting CPAP, within the first year of use, and after more than one year. Patients also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS) to provide a standardized measure of daytime sleepiness, complementing the qualitative findings. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed according to a Multi-Perspective Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (MP-IPA) approach, which allowed for the identification of both individual and dyadic meaning-making processes. Three superordinate themes emerged: Making Sense of the Illness, Living the Illness Together, and From CPAP Resistance to Acceptance. Findings illustrate the evolving nature of illness representations, the central but ambivalent role of the partner in facilitating care, and the relational dynamics shaping CPAP engagement. While patients gradually integrated CPAP into their self-management, partners transitioned from active promoters to quieter sources of emotional and practical support. Dyadic tensions, divergent illness perceptions, and shifting motivations influenced the trajectory of adaptation. Results from the ESS indicated that patients with long-term CPAP use reported normalized sleepiness, whereas those in earlier stages experienced clinically significant daytime drowsiness. CPAP adaptation is thus a dynamic, relational process influenced by how both patients and partners conceptualize the illness and navigate the challenges of therapy. Partner involvement plays a key role but must balance support with respect for patient autonomy. Interventions aimed at enhancing adherence should consider the couple as a unit, integrating psychoeducational and relational components. Future research should expand on these findings using larger, more diverse samples and evaluate the impact of tailored interventions and telemedicine in long-term CPAP management. Keywords OSA, CPAP, Bed partner, Illness management, Clinical psychology Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common respiratory sleep disorder, affecting up to 38% of the global population1. It is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to intermittent reductions in blood oxygen levels, recurrent micro-arousals, and non-restorative sleep. These nocturnal alterations result in a range of daytime sequelae, including excessive sleepiness, mood disturbances, reduced quality of life, and cognitive deficits2,3. Frequently unnoticed by patients themselves4, OSA also has 1Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy. 2IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro, 66, 20148 Milan, Italy. 3Sleep Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy. 4Sleep Centre, Centro Diagnostico Italiano (CDI), Milan, Italy. 􀀍 email: [valentina.poletti@unicatt.it](valentina.poletti@unicatt.it) [www. nature.com/scientificreports/](www. nature.com/scientificreports/) major implications for physical health due to its association with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases5. Therefore, timely diagnosis and referral to treatment are essential. The severity of OSA—classified according to the frequency of respiratory events and clinical symptoms such as

FAQs

What is the primary focus of this study?

The study explores how patients with OSA and their bed partners experience and adapt to CPAP therapy over time, emphasizing psychological and relational processes that affect adherence.

How were participants and phases of adaptation selected?

Semi-structured interviews involved 12 OSA patients and their bed partners, purposively sampled across three adaptation phases: before starting CPAP, within the first year, and after more than one year.

What themes were identified in the qualitative analysis?

Three superordinate themes emerged: Making Sense of the Illness, Living the Illness Together, and From CPAP Resistance to Acceptance.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Đào