Continuous positive airway pressure for long-term treatment of sleep apnea.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea in a child with cleft palate and micrognathia developed after soft-palate repair. Continuous positive airway pressure applied to the nose during sleep corrected the abnormalities of sleep and breathing. Long-term treatment produced a remission of all symptoms. Proper technique was important. Continuous positive airway pressure was effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in this child, and long-term treatment was implemented in the home.