Table 3.

Primary themes and descriptions from qualitative interviews.

Primary Theme	Description
Obtaining a diagnosis of OSA	OSA symptoms were serious concerns that impacted quality of life and a sleep study was a way to understand the cause of these issues Mixed emotions following OSA diagnosis included relief, fear, and resentment
Initiating treatment for OSA	Health and well-being motivated treatment Participants endorsed a limited understanding of PAP therapy
Learning more about OSA and PAP therapy	Family members were a primary source of information about OSA and PAP therapy
Decision to start PAP therapy	PAP therapy was presented as the primary treatment option Adolescents and parents were more likely to be referred for a surgical consultation or to be recommended weight loss Many participants followed their doctor’s direction to initiate PAP Young adults and adolescents discussed PAP therapy with parents
Benefits and challenges of using PAP therapy	Participants noted benefits of PAP including better sleep, less daytime sleepiness, and decreased stress A primary barrier endorsed was adjusting to PAP
Reasons for nonadherence	Mask discomfort was commonly reported and influenced PAP usage Other problems identified included resupply and insurance coverage, device cleaning, and humidifier adjustment difficulties
PAP design and delivery changes	Suggestions to improve PAP included a smaller device; more comfortable mask; easier to clean; and a longer, more flexible hose
Issues unique to adolescents and their parents	Adolescents were more likely to routinely need to use PAP in more than one location Parent–adolescent conflict around PAP was reported

OSA = obstructive sleep apnea, PAP = positive airway pressure.