0914 The Experience of Claustrophobia and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy. (12th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dettenmeier, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Sleep. Volume 42(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A367
• Page End: A367
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12
• Subjects: Sleep -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sleep disorders -- Periodicals; Sommeil -- Aspect physiologique -- Périodiques; Sommeil, Troubles du -- Périodiques; Sleep disorders; Sleep -- Physiological aspects; Sleep -- physiological aspects; Sleep Wake Disorders; Psychophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.8498
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz067.912
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-8105

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare is dominated by the biomechanical body disregarding the lived experience. Effective continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy requires skillful use; claustrophobia may interfere with this. What causes claustrophobia, fear of enclosed spaces, is different for individuals; ability to use CPAP varies. None have examined the lived experience of claustrophobia and CPAP therapy resulting in a critical gap in knowledge. This interpretive phenomenological study explored the lived experience of claustrophobia in adults with sleep apnea prescribed CPAP. Methods: Participants were recruited from a university-based sleep disorders center in a large Midwest urban area. Four research questions focusing on the meaning of claustrophobia, bodily sensations of claustrophobia, lifetime experiences and coping were addressed in two semi-structured interviews about one month apart. Participants drew a picture of what claustrophobia was like for them. Questionnaires described the sample and triangulated interview data: demographics, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Claustrophobia Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Likert-type scales for anxiety, depression, claustrophobia. Results: To date 12/14 subjects aged 40-68 have completed both interviews. Inter-subject variability exists, but participants generally have multiple ACES, mild to severe sleepiness, anxiety, and depression. Participants identified significant claustrophobia triggers beginning in childhood including CPAP mask, crowds, being tied down, MRI, and items around the neck. Participants embody claustrophobia with palpitations, sweating, suffocating/drowning feeling, and lightheartedness. Preliminary themes are emerging:Life altering events ("panic in the MRI" and "babysitter put me in the dark basement for my nap and locked the door.");Altered bedtime routine ("dread going to bed, put it off as long as possible"; "nothing can touch my neck when I am sleeping"; and, "have to sleep with the TV/light on");Escape ("need to get away"; "avoid crowds/busy shopping times"; "have to take the mask off for a while");Coping ("do this for my health"; 'think about someplace nice"; and, "all about the right mask.") Conclusion: Claustrophobia, often caused by a life altering event, modifies daytime/bedtime routines and CPAP use. CPAP coping skills vary based on resources. Support (If Any): Potter Scholarship Fund