Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children effects of 2-3% of all children, however in light of the rising prevalence of childhood obesity, the estimated prevalence has increased to 6-10% of all children. While the first line of therapy for Pediatric OSA in children consists of upper airway surgery via surgical removal off the adenoids and tonsils, it has become increasingly clear that surgery efficacy is limited in older and//or obese children. As a result, alternative therapies, including positive airway pressure  (PAP) therapy has become mainstay for a lot of children. The application of PAP devices in children is unique and requires further attention to ensure that PAP therapy is successful.

Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children
2. Distinguish indications for Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy in children
3. Discuss obstacles of PAP adherence in  children
4. Share real world data of PAP adherence in children

Rakesh Bhattacharjee, MD, FRCPC, DABP(SM), CBSM, DBSM, FAASM

Director of Sleep Medicine, Rady Children’s Hospital

Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD

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