CPAP explained: what to expect if you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is the most widely used treatment for moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea. A small bedside machine sends a gentle, steady flow of air through a mask, which keeps the airway from collapsing while you sleep.

Who is CPAP for?

CPAP is usually recommended when a sleep test shows moderate or severe sleep apnoea, or milder sleep apnoea with symptoms that affect daily life. It should be prescribed and set up after a proper diagnosis — buying a machine without a sleep test is not recommended, because the right treatment depends on your result.

What using CPAP is like

You wear the mask every time you sleep. Masks come in different styles — over the nose, under the nose, or over the nose and mouth — and a good fit makes a big difference. Many people notice they feel more rested within days or weeks, and partners often notice the snoring stops.

Tips for getting used to it

Practise wearing the mask while awake, reading or watching TV. Use it every night, including naps. If your mouth or nose dries out, a heated humidifier can help. If the mask leaks, marks your face or feels uncomfortable, ask your provider about a different size or style rather than giving up.

Alternatives to CPAP

For some people, especially with milder sleep apnoea, other options can work: a custom-made dental device that holds the lower jaw forward, sleeping on your side if apnoea mainly happens on your back, weight loss, and reducing alcohol in the evening. A clinician can advise which options fit your result.

The first step is a diagnosis

Whatever treatment turns out to be right, it starts with knowing what is happening at night. A home sleep test records your breathing and oxygen levels for one night in your own bed, and a clinician explains your result and recommends the next step.