Continuous positive airway pressure (cpap) therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is nearly always the first medical treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP is a machine that prevents your airways from closing during sleep.

CPAP can:

• Decrease daytime sleepiness. If you still feel sleepy during the day while using CPAP at night, tell your doctor.
• Lower daytime and nighttime blood pressure.

It may take time for you to be comfortable using CPAP. You may find that you want to take off the mask, or you may find it hard to sleep. If you can't get used to CPAP, talk to your doctor. You might be able to try another type of mask or make other adjustments.

Some CPAP devices automatically adjust air pressure or use different air pressures when you breathe in or out. They are easier and more comfortable for some people to use.

Sometimes medicine that helps you stay awake during the day may be used along with CPAP.

CPAP is usually the best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It is the first treatment choice and the most widely used. 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.

CPAP works well to treat sleep apnea. If you use CPAP, you may:

• Be less sleepy when you wake up.
• Have lower blood pressure.
• Have a lower risk of accidents.
• Improve your sleep-related quality of life.

If you have a bed partner, they may also sleep better when you use CPAP.

Some people who use CPAP have:

• A dry or stuffy nose and a sore throat.
• Irritated skin on the face.
• Bloating.

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.