Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

What is CPAP?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for sleep apnoea. CPAP is delivered by a machine with a mask attached and is an at-home treatment for respiratory conditions and sleep disorders.  

CPAP opens the airways at the back of your throat while you sleep by delivering continuous pressurised air through the mask. The air pressure prevents your throat from narrowing at night, increasing airflow and reducing sleep disturbances. It is non-invasive and generally comfortable to wear at night. It’s also portable so you can take it if you’re travelling.

Our world-leading sleep experts at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals have been diagnosing and treating sleep conditions for over 20 years – our sleep and ventilation service is the largest in Europe. We can provide a fast and accurate diagnosis for sleep apnoea in adults with our advanced sleep studies.

What does CPAP treat?

Doctors use a CPAP machine to treat obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea happens when your upper airway collapses at night, blocking the airway at the back of your throat.

This obstruction in your upper airway stops you from breathing for several seconds to a few minutes, causing you to wake up gasping for breath. The recurrent disruption to your sleep affects your waking life and puts strain on major organs like your heart.

Who is suitable for CPAP? 

Experts usually recommend a CPAP machine if you have a sleep-related breathing disorder. Obstructive sleep apnoea is one of the most common conditions that CPAP treats. 

If you would like to speak to one of our sleep specialists about CPAP treatment, get in touch with our team to book an appointment.  

A CPAP machine sucks in air from the room you’re sleeping in, then filters and pressurises it. This pressurised air moves through a tube and into your mask as a continuous airflow. The airflow prevents your tongue and soft palate from moving into your airway and blocking it – stabilising your breathing. 

You must use your CPAP machine in the way your respiratory specialist recommended to see results. Ensure you use it when you sleep, including while napping or away from home. 

You must clean your mask and tube daily as your doctor advised. 

Benefits of CPAP 

Using a CPAP machine at home can offer you many long-term health benefits, such as:  

• reduced daytime sleepiness 
• eliminated snoring 
• enhanced concentration 
• boosted mood  
• reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart problems (like coronary heart disease) and strokes 
• improved metabolism 
• better sleep  

When you use your CPAP machine regularly at night, you’ll find relief from your obstructive sleep apnoea and notice the positive effects in your waking life, too.

Risks of CPAP

CPAP is a safe treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.  

However, when you initially start the treatment, you may experience:  

• sore or dry eyes 
• redness on your face from the mask 
• a runny nose or sneezing 
• struggling to sleep or finding it uncomfortable  

However, as you use the CPAP machine more often, these side effects should disappear and you’ll find relief from your obstructive sleep apnoea.

Alternative treatments

If a doctor has diagnosed sleep apnoea but you don’t want to try a CPAP machine, there are alternatives. 

Obesity is one of the leading causes of obstructive sleep apnoea, so losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce your symptoms.  

Many people find that their sleep apnoea worsens when lying on their backs. However, special devices can help encourage you to sleep on your side or keep you propped up.  

For some people, a special mouthguard, known as a mandibular advancement device, can help to open up the airway and may be effective for mild sleep apnoea and snoring, or for individuals who cannot use CPAP therapy.  

If you would like to learn more about CPAP treatment, please contact our team to arrange an appointment with one of our sleep specialists.