Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily during sleep. A CPAP machine increases air pressure in your throat so your airway stays open. You use CPAP at home while you sleep.
The CPAP machine will have one of the following:
- A mask that covers your nose and mouth
- A mask that covers your nose only
- A nasal pillow that covers only the openings of your nose
When you have sleep apnea, using CPAP can help you sleep better, feel better, and avoid future health problems.
What To Expect
It may take time for you to become comfortable with using CPAP. If you can't get used to it, talk to your doctor. You might be able to try another type of mask or make other adjustments.
Why It Is Done
CPAP is usually the first treatment choice and the most widely used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treatment with CPAP:
- Helps you have more normal sleep, so you feel less sleepy and more alert during the daytime.
- May help keep heart failure or other heart problems from getting worse.
- May help lower your blood pressure.
If you have a bed partner, they may also sleep better when you use a CPAP. That's because you aren't snoring or restless.
Your doctor may suggest CPAP if you have:
- Moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Sleep apnea and coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Sleep apnea and heart failure.
How Well It Works
CPAP works well to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you use CPAP, you may:
- Be less sleepy when you wake up.
- Have lower blood pressure.
- Improve your sleep-related quality of life.
If you have a bed partner, they may also sleep better when you use CPAP.
Side Effects
Some people who use CPAP have:
- A dry or stuffy nose and a sore throat.
- Irritated skin on the face.
- Bloating in the belly.
Steps you can take
If using CPAP is not comfortable, or if you have certain side effects, work with your doctor to fix them. Here are some things you can try:
- Be sure the mask, nasal mask, or nasal pillow fits well.
- See if your doctor can adjust the pressure of your CPAP.
- If your nose or mouth is dry, set the machine to deliver warmer or wetter air. Or try using a humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
- If your nose is runny or stuffy, talk to your doctor about using a decongestant medicine or steroid nasal spray. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use the medicine longer than the label says.
- Your doctor may also help you with problems like swallowing air, bloating, or claustrophobia.
Talk to your doctor if you're still having problems. If these things don't help, you might try a different type of machine.
Note: Have a plan to take your equipment on trips or in case of an emergency where you would lose power or need to leave your home for a period of time.
Credits
Current as of: October 1, 2025
Current as of: October 1, 2025