CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy)

A long-term treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea that uses a small pump and mask to deliver gently pressurised air, keeping the airway open during sleep.

✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review

In short

CPAP uses a pump and mask to deliver gently pressurised air that keeps the airway open in sleep; it is the main treatment for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea.
It controls sleep apnoea rather than curing it, and only works on nights it is actually used, so getting used to it and sticking with it are central to the benefit.
Mask discomfort, leaks, dryness, a blocked or runny nose and feeling claustrophobic are common early on and can usually be improved with help.
It is ongoing therapy needing equipment care and follow-up; a mandibular advancement device is an alternative if CPAP cannot be tolerated.

A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.

At a glance

TypeMedical treatment (ongoing therapy)

AnaestheticNot applicable

How long it takesUsed every night, long term; set-up is a short appointment

Hospital stayUsually no hospital stay

Time off workUsually none

When you'll see resultsMany people notice better sleep and less daytime sleepiness within days to weeks

On the NHS?Offered on the NHS for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea

A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.

Best fit

Can stop the breathing pauses and lift the oxygen dips of obstructive sleep apnoea

Pause if

When the diagnosis is not actually obstructive sleep apnoea, so the airway is not the problem CPAP addresses.

Main recovery point

Getting used to the mask and airflow. Many people sleep less well at first; using a ramp setting and wearing the mask while relaxing in the evening can...

Good aftercare

A named contact and easy route to help with mask, leak and tolerance problems early on.

First nights

Getting used to the mask and airflow. Many people sleep less well at first; using a ramp setting and wearing the...

First 1–2 weeks

Sorting out mask fit, leaks, dryness and nasal symptoms. This is when contact with the sleep service matters most...

First few weeks

Many people notice less daytime sleepiness and more refreshing sleep as nightly use becomes routine.

Ongoing

The service reviews your usage and machine data, fine-tunes settings or the mask, and arranges longer-term...

Medical line illustration of cpap sleep apnoea therapy for CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. — Illustration only - not a diagnosis, medical advice or a promise of result. Your anatomy and treatment plan may differ. Vuemedics does not publish before-and-after photos.

What is CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea?

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. A small bedside pump delivers a gentle, steady stream of air through a tube and a mask worn over the nose, or nose and mouth, while you sleep. The pressure acts like an air splint, holding the throat open so it does not repeatedly narrow or close.

Used consistently, it can stop the breathing pauses, lift the dips in oxygen, reduce loud snoring and improve sleep quality, which often eases daytime sleepiness and may reduce some of the longer-term health risks linked to untreated sleep apnoea.

CPAP controls obstructive sleep apnoea but does not cure it: the airway tends to behave the same way again on any night the machine is not used. It works best when worn most nights for most of the night, and the biggest challenge for many people is getting used to the mask and keeping it up over time. Support with mask fit and early problems makes a real difference.

Types, options & approaches

There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.

Fixed-pressure CPAP

Delivers one steady pressure all night, set for you by the sleep service. The standard option NICE recommends for moderate or severe sleep apnoea.

Auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP)

Senses your breathing and varies the pressure through the night within a set range. Used in selected people, sometimes to help find the right fixed pressure.

Mask types

Nasal masks, nasal pillows that sit at the nostrils, and full-face masks covering nose and mouth. The right choice depends on comfort, leaks and whether you breathe through your mouth.

Comfort features

Options such as a heated humidifier to reduce dryness, a ramp that starts at a lower pressure, and heated tubing. These aim to improve comfort and help you keep using the machine.

CPAP vs mandibular advancement device

Feature	CPAP	Mandibular device
What it is	Pump and mask	Custom gum-shield that holds the jaw forward
Best for	Moderate to severe sleep apnoea	Milder disease, or if CPAP not tolerated
Main effort	Getting used to the mask	Dental fit and jaw comfort
Effectiveness	Most effective when used well	Often less effective in severe disease

NICE suggests considering a customised mandibular advancement splint for adults with optimal dental health if CPAP is declined or not tolerated. Your clinician will weigh severity and preference with you.

Preparing for your treatment

You will usually have a sleep study first to confirm obstructive sleep apnoea and how severe it is.
Expect a set-up appointment where staff fit a mask, explain the machine and set or check the pressure.
Try on different mask styles and sizes; a good fit is the single biggest factor in getting on with CPAP.
Tell the team about a blocked nose, frequent colds or sinus problems, as a humidifier or mask change may help.
Ask how to clean and maintain the mask, tubing and machine, and where to get replacement parts.
Mention if you feel claustrophobic, so they can start gently and build up wearing time.
If your job involves driving or safety-critical work, ask about the rules and, if advised, tell the driving licence authority: the DVLA if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, or the DVA if you live in Northern Ireland.
Set up the machine by your bed with easy access to a plug, and plan to use it from the first night.

What happens

After sleep apnoea is confirmed, you attend a set-up (titration) appointment with the sleep service. Staff help you choose and fit a mask, show you how the machine works, and set the pressure or its range. Sometimes the pressure is fine-tuned over the first nights, or during an overnight titration study, using data the machine records.

You take the equipment home and use it every night. It can feel strange at first, and the early days are about getting comfortable, sorting out the mask fit and dealing with any leaks, dryness or nasal stuffiness. Most machines record how many hours you use it and how well it is controlling your breathing.

The sleep service reviews this information, often remotely, and helps you adjust the mask, pressure or comfort settings. Ongoing follow-up and support are a normal and important part of treatment, especially in the first weeks.

Is this treatment right for me?

A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.

May not be suitable if…

When the diagnosis is not actually obstructive sleep apnoea, so the airway is not the problem CPAP addresses.
When someone genuinely cannot tolerate any mask despite full support, and an alternative is more realistic.
When certain facial, nasal or eye conditions make a good mask seal or pressure delivery unsafe without specialist input.
When the main issue is central sleep apnoea or another breathing problem that may need a different device or setting.

Delay or rearrange if…

You have a heavy cold, sinus infection or nasal blockage making mask use difficult, until it settles or a humidifier is added.
You have recent facial, nasal or eye surgery, until your specialist confirms it is safe.
Mask fit or pressure has not yet been properly set by the service.
You cannot get timely support for early problems, which makes giving up more likely.

Alternatives to discuss

A customised or semi-customised mandibular advancement device, especially for milder disease or if CPAP is not tolerated.
Weight management, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and side-sleeping, which can lessen severity.
Selected surgical options or upper-airway nerve stimulation in specific cases.
Treating the underlying cause where one is found, such as nasal obstruction.

Before you decide

Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.

What matters most to me?

Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.

What are all my options?

Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.

What would make me pause?

Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.

What happens if I do nothing today?

For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.

Benefits

Can stop the breathing pauses and lift the oxygen dips of obstructive sleep apnoea
Often improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness
Can reduce loud snoring, which may help a bed partner too
May lower blood pressure in some people and reduce sleepiness-related accident risk
Settings and data can be reviewed so treatment is tailored to you over time

Risks & complications

More common

Mask discomfort, pressure marks or air leaks, including air blowing into the eyes
A dry or blocked nose, dry mouth or sneezing, often eased by a humidifier
Feeling claustrophobic or struggling to get used to the mask at first
Difficulty keeping the mask on all night, so the benefit is reduced

Less common

Bloating from swallowing air, or a dry, sore throat
Skin irritation or, with long use, marks from the mask or straps
Disturbed sleep for a bed partner from machine or leak noise
Nosebleeds or worsening of existing sinus problems

Rare but serious

Marked intolerance meaning CPAP has to be stopped and an alternative used
Serious problems are uncommon; tell your team about persistent eye, breathing or chest symptoms

The main issue with CPAP is not danger but tolerance: leaks, dryness, nasal symptoms and the feel of the mask lead many people to use it less than they need to. These problems can usually be improved with mask changes, a humidifier and support. Ask your service how to get help quickly if you are struggling, rather than giving up.

Published figures to discuss

CPAP is safe in physical terms; the key real-world variable is how much it is actually used. Studies repeatedly show that a substantial proportion of people use CPAP for fewer hours than recommended, and adherence varies widely with mask comfort, side effects, support and individual factors. Because definitions and populations differ, exact adherence percentages should be treated as illustrative rather than fixed.

Figure	Reported range	How to interpret it	Source / confidence
Adherence	Variable; benefit depends strongly on nightly use	Mask fit, humidification, pressure settings and early follow-up are often the difference between success and abandonment.	Guide sourcesClinical context
Dry nose, mouth leak, pressure discomfort or skin marks	Common early problems	These are usually fixable. Patients should not be left thinking intolerance means CPAP has failed.	Guide sourcesClinical context
Residual sleepiness despite CPAP	Recognised	Check usage hours, leak, residual apnoea-hypopnoea index, sleep time, medicines, alcohol and other sleep disorders.	Guide sourcesClinical context
Driving safety	Clinically important	Sleepiness while driving needs urgent advice and may have licensing implications (DVLA in England, Scotland and Wales; DVA in Northern Ireland); effective CPAP can reduce this risk.	Mask type, effectiveness and CPAP adherence — PMCncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context

These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.

What happens afterwards

CPAP is a treatment you use rather than a procedure you recover from, so there is no physical recovery. Instead, the early weeks are about settling into nightly use, getting the mask comfortable and judging how your sleep and daytime symptoms respond.

First nights

Getting used to the mask and airflow. Many people sleep less well at first; using a ramp setting and wearing the mask while relaxing in the evening can help.

First 1–2 weeks

Sorting out mask fit, leaks, dryness and nasal symptoms. This is when contact with the sleep service matters most, so problems are fixed early.

First few weeks

Many people notice less daytime sleepiness and more refreshing sleep as nightly use becomes routine.

Ongoing

The service reviews your usage and machine data, fine-tunes settings or the mask, and arranges longer-term follow-up. Equipment needs regular cleaning and replacement parts.

What's normal — and not a worry

A few disrupted nights while you get used to the mask and pressure
Some dryness or nasal stuffiness early on, often helped by a humidifier
Needing to try more than one mask before finding the right fit
Gradual rather than instant improvement in daytime sleepiness

Aftercare

Use the machine every night for as much of the night as you can; consistency drives the benefit.
Clean the mask, tubing and humidifier chamber as advised, and let parts dry to reduce infection risk.
Replace masks, cushions, filters and tubing when worn, as a poor seal causes leaks.
Use the humidifier and adjust comfort settings if you get dryness or congestion.
Contact the sleep service early about leaks, sore skin, a blocked nose or trouble tolerating the mask.
Keep follow-up appointments and let the team review your usage data.
Take CPAP with you when travelling and check power and any airline requirements in advance.

Before your treatment

Sleep study completed and diagnosis confirmed
Mask fitted and a spare cushion or alternative size obtained
Cleaning routine and replacement-part source understood
Humidifier set up if dryness is likely
Sleep service contact number saved for early problems
Driving and work rules checked if you drive or do safety-critical work (DVLA in England, Scotland and Wales; DVA in Northern Ireland)

⚠ Get urgent help if…

Severe or returning daytime sleepiness, especially falling asleep while driving — stop driving and seek advice
Persistent eye irritation, redness or infection from air leaks into the eyes
A painful skin sore or ulcer from the mask that is not settling
New chest pain, severe breathlessness or palpitations — seek urgent medical help
Signs of a chest or sinus infection, such as fever, facial pain or coloured phlegm
Feeling unable to use the machine at all, so your sleep apnoea is going untreated — contact your service

Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.

Results & realistic expectations

Used consistently, CPAP can control obstructive sleep apnoea well: breathing pauses settle, oxygen dips lessen, snoring reduces and many people feel less sleepy and more refreshed. The machine's data can show how well your breathing is controlled on the pressure you are using.

A good result depends on regular use; CPAP does not change the airway permanently, so untreated nights bring the problem back. It also cannot guarantee that every symptom or health risk disappears, and some people need mask or pressure changes, or an alternative treatment, before they feel the benefit.

How long it lasts

CPAP is a long-term treatment rather than a one-off cure. For most people it works for as long as it is used, but the airway behaves the same way again whenever it is stopped. Needs can change with weight, age, nasal problems or other health changes, so settings and masks may need adjusting over time, and equipment needs ongoing replacement.

Related tests, treatments or support

CPAP is usually combined with lifestyle measures such as weight management, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and sleeping on your side, which can lessen sleep apnoea and sometimes the pressure needed. For some people a mandibular advancement device is used as an alternative or, occasionally, alongside other treatment. Any other breathing or heart conditions are managed in parallel.

Follow-up & long-term care

After set-up you are usually reviewed within the first weeks to check tolerance, mask fit and usage data, then at longer intervals. The service can adjust settings remotely on many machines. Tell them promptly if you are struggling, as early help prevents people quietly giving up.

Clean the mask and tubing regularly and let them dry, as advised, to reduce infection risk
Replace masks, cushions, filters and tubing when worn to maintain a good seal
Refill or descale the humidifier chamber as instructed
Attend periodic reviews so usage data and effectiveness can be checked
Have settings reassessed if your weight, symptoms or nasal problems change
Service or replace the machine according to the provider's guidance

Repeat, follow-on and what comes next

Many people need at least one change of mask before they find a comfortable, low-leak fit.
Pressure or settings often need adjusting over time as needs change.
Some people stop CPAP and switch to a mandibular device or other treatment.
A repeat sleep study or titration is sometimes needed to confirm control.

Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.

What good aftercare looks like

A named contact and easy route to help with mask, leak and tolerance problems early on.
Review of machine usage and effectiveness data, with settings tailored to you.
A clear plan for replacement parts, cleaning and longer-term follow-up.
Honest discussion of alternatives, and driving and work advice, if CPAP is not working for you.

What affects the cost

Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:

The CPAP machine itself and whether it is fixed-pressure or auto-adjusting
Mask type and the need to try more than one for a good fit
Comfort add-ons such as a heated humidifier or heated tubing
Set-up, titration and how follow-up and data review are provided
Ongoing replacement parts (masks, cushions, filters, tubing)
Whether the initial sleep study is included or charged separately

Make sure your written quote includes

The cost of the machine and mask, and which model is provided
Whether set-up, titration and follow-up are included
Whether replacement parts and ongoing support are included or extra
What happens, and what it costs, if you cannot tolerate CPAP
Whether the diagnostic sleep study is quoted separately
The warranty, servicing and cancellation policy

On the NHS? CPAP is provided on the NHS for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea, including equipment and follow-up; private provision is mainly used for speed, choice or self-pay.

You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.

Choosing a specialist safely

Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.

How Vuemedics verifies every consultant →

Questions to ask your medical professional

Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.

How severe is my sleep apnoea, and why is CPAP the right treatment for me?
What pressure or settings am I on, and how will we know they are working?
Which mask suits me, and what do I do if it leaks or feels uncomfortable?
How do I get help quickly in the first weeks if I am struggling to use it?
Would a mandibular advancement device be a reasonable alternative for me?
What are the rules for my driving or job, and do I need to tell the DVLA (or the DVA in Northern Ireland)?
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
Will you be the specialist who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?

Frequently asked questions

Is CPAP available on the NHS?

Yes. CPAP is offered on the NHS for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea, including the machine, mask and follow-up. Private provision is also available, often for speed or choice of equipment.

Will I have to use it forever?

Usually, yes, for as long as you have sleep apnoea. CPAP controls the condition but does not cure it, so the breathing pauses tend to return on nights you do not use it. Weight loss can reduce severity for some people.

What if I can't get used to the mask?

This is common and often fixable. A different mask style or size, a humidifier, a ramp setting and support from the sleep service help many people. If CPAP still cannot be tolerated, a mandibular advancement device may be an option.

Does it cure snoring and tiredness straight away?

Snoring often improves quickly, and many people feel less sleepy within days to weeks. Improvement can be gradual, and depends on using the machine most of the night, most nights.

Can I still travel with CPAP?

Yes. Machines are portable and many run on travel power supplies. Check power adaptors and any airline rules in advance, and take it as hand luggage so you can use it while away.

Do I need to tell the driving licence authority?

If your sleep apnoea causes excessive daytime sleepiness, there are driving rules and you may need to let the driving licence authority know. This is the DVLA if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, and the DVA if you live in Northern Ireland. Once your sleep apnoea is treated and well controlled, you can usually keep driving. Ask your clinician what applies to your situation and your type of licence (car or lorry/bus rules can differ).

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How we made this page

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →

Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.

Sources & standards: NHS — Sleep apnoea (treatment incl. CPAP) NICE NG202 — OSAHS in over 16s (CPAP and adherence) Sleep Apnoea Trust — Treatment of sleep apnoea British Thoracic Society — Sleep apnoea resources Mask type, effectiveness and CPAP adherence — PMC CPAP adherence, quality of life and determinants of use — PMC DVLA — Assessing fitness to drive DVA Northern Ireland — Telling DVA about a medical condition

Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.

Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.