[Update on therapy with positive airway pressure in sleep-related breathing disorders].

Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the therapy of choice for most sleep-related breathing disorders. A variety of PAP devices exist (continuous PAP, bi-level PAP, automatic PAP, adaptive servo-ventilation) and must be carefully considered before application. The data presented are from an ENT sleep laboratory perspective and are designed to help the inexperienced ENT practitioner support patients before and after PAP therapy has begun. Patient compliance can be increased with individualized therapy. PAP treatment is very effective in eliminating obstruction-related sleep diseases and symptoms. However, because it generally has to be used throughout the patient's life, the optimal PAP device must be carefully selected, taking into account side effects that influence compliance.