CPAP Therapy for Sleep Apnea: What is it, How it works, Benefits and Choosing the Right Equipment
Topics: Sleep Health
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is one of the most common and considered as the gold standard to treat sleep apnea. A condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. If you're new to CPAP, this page will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll explain what CPAP therapy is, how it works, and the benefits it can offer, from better sleep to improved daytime energy. You’ll also find tips on choosing the right CPAP machine and mask, learn about the different types of machines available, possible side effects to watch out for, and how insurance may help cover the costs.
What is CPAP Therapy?
CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a go-to treatment for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).¹ If you have OSA, your airway can collapse while you sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short periods—sometimes without even knowing it. CPAP therapy works by gently blowing a constant stream of air through a mask you wear at night. This air keeps your airway open, so you can breathe normally and sleep without frequent awakenings.¹ It might take a little getting used to, but many people find they sleep better, feel more energetic during the day, and notice real improvements in their overall health.5
How does CPAP work?
At its core, CPAP therapy uses a simple yet clever trick: a small motor pushes air through a tube to your CPAP mask, keeping your airway open.1 That steady stream of air acts like a gentle splint, keeping throat muscles from collapsing and blocking your airway. By holding your airway open, CPAP therapy helps you breathe smoothly, slashing the number of pauses and snoring episodes linked to sleep apnea. Over time, this uninterrupted airflow can lead to restful and quality sleep.1
What are the benefits of CPAP for people with sleep apnea?
If you suffer from sleep apnea, using a CPAP machine each night can truly change your life. By keeping your airway open, CPAP therapy delivers restorative sleep and a noticeable energy boost during the day.² Many people find their thinking sharpens, their concentration improves, and daytime fatigue becomes a thing of the past.6 Whether you want to feel more alert in the morning, perform better at work, or safeguard your long-term health, the right CPAP mask and CPAP machine can make all the difference.
Want to know more about Sleep Apnea?
Potential Side Effects of CPAP Therapy and How to Manage Them
Even though CPAP therapy is a game-changer for sleep apnea, some people notice side effects at first. You might wake up with a dry mouth, nasal congestion, or feel pinched by your CPAP mask and struggle with straps.³ The good news is these hiccups usually don’t last. Adding a built-in humidifier to your CPAP machine can banish dryness, and tweaking strap tension or swapping to a different mask style can ease pressure points.³ If congestion persists, a saline spray or heated tubing often does the trick. By tackling these issues head-on, you’ll stay comfortable and stick with the therapy—so you can keep breathing easy all night.
Different Types of CPAP Machines
CPAP machines come in various types to suit different needs. Some models offer fixed pressure settings for consistent support, while others automatically adjust airflow throughout the night. Choosing the right CPAP machine depends on your sleep apnea severity and breathing patterns. Here’s a look at the most popular CPAP machine options.
Automatic CPAP – Adjusts as you Breathe
Automatic CPAP machines, often called APAP, take the guesswork out of setting the right pressure.7 These smart devices continuously monitor your airflow and detect subtle changes—like when your airway starts to narrow—and instantly adjust the air pressure to keep you breathing smoothly throughout the night.⁴ This means you get just the right support when you need it, without feeling blasted by too much pressure when you don’t. Many users find APAP machines more comfortable, as they adapt to shifts in sleep position, weight changes, or nasal congestion. By tailoring therapy on the fly, automatic CPAP can boost both comfort and helping you stay consistent with treatment and wake up feeling more refreshed.⁴
Fixed Pressure CPAP – Prescribed Pressure
A fixed-pressure CPAP machine delivers a steady, constant stream of air set to the exact pressure your sleep study determined is best for you.⁴ Once it’s dialled in, the machine keeps that level of support all night, reliably preventing airway collapse. This simplicity makes fixed-pressure CPAP machines straightforward to use and often more affordable than their automatic counterparts. For many people, though, a consistent pressure setting provides exactly what’s needed to stop snoring, reduce breathing pauses, and unlock restorative sleep.
Bilevel CPAP Machines – Tailored Inhalation and Exhalation
Bilevel CPAP machines—sometimes called BiPAP—provide two distinct pressure settings: one higher level for inhalation and a lower level for exhalation.⁴ This split-pressure approach makes breathing out against the airflow much easier, reducing the effort needed to exhale. It’s a great option for users who struggle with the constant pressure of traditional CPAP, or for those with conditions that make exhaling harder. By adjusting pressure for each breath phase, bilevel therapy delivers a more comfortable, personalized experience⁴, helping you stick with your treatment and enjoy better sleep.
CPAP Masks for Different Sleep Styles and Comfort Needs8
Picking the right CPAP mask is key to comfortable, reliable therapy with your CPAP machine. Masks come in full-face, nasal, and nasal pillow styles to suit various sleep positions and facial shapes. Finding the perfect CPAP mask balances comfort, seal, and airflow so you can rest easily and peacefully at night.
Full face CPAP Mask – Ideal for Mouth Breathers
A full-face CPAP mask covers both your nose and mouth, making it perfect for anyone who breathes through their mouth at night. This style ensures a secure seal and steady airflow, even if you’re dealing with nasal congestion or comfort issues. By accommodating mouth breathing, a full-face CPAP mask helps you stick with CPAP therapy, keeping your airway open and your sleep uninterrupted.
Nasal CPAP Mask – Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Nasal CPAP masks sit just over your nose, offering a lightweight, low-profile solution for CPAP Therapy. Because they’re smaller than full-face masks, they’re perfect if you breathe through your nose and want something less bulky. This style is especially kind to sensitive skin—less mask surface means fewer pressure points and less irritation. If you’re looking for a snug, comfortable fit that still delivers reliable airflow from your CPAP machine, a nasal mask could be your ideal pick.
Nasal Pillow Mask – For Bedtime Reading
Nasal pillow masks rest just at your nostrils, using tiny cushions to deliver air straight from your CPAP machine. Their minimal design makes them incredibly lightweight and non-restrictive—perfect if you like to unwind with a book or wear glasses in bed. Because they sit below your eyes and avoid much of your face, nasal pillow masks offer an unobstructed view while still providing reliable CPAP therapy for sleep apnea.
How to Choose the Right CPAP Machine and CPAP Mask
Finding the right CPAP machine and CPAP mask is key to getting the most out of your CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Your sleep habits, breathing style, and comfort preferences all play a big role in what equipment will work best for you. For machines Some people may prefer automatic pressure adjustments, while others need a consistent setting. Likewise, For mask some people’s fit and feel can make or break your nightly routine. If you’re unsure where to start, talking to a sleep coach or testing different mask types can help guide you to the right choice. Here’s how you can decide which CPAP mask and machine is best suited to you.
Review Your Sleeping Habits
Understanding your sleep habits is an important first step in choosing the right CPAP machine and CPAP mask. The way you sleep—on your back, side, or stomach—can affect how well certain masks stay in place and maintain a good seal. Your breathing patterns also play a role in determining whether you’d benefit more from a fixed-pressure or automatic CPAP therapy setup. Take time to reflect on your usual sleep position and nighttime routine. Talking to your healthcare provider or a ResMed sleep coach* can help match your habits with equipment that supports better, more restful sleep.
Ensure Secure Fit
A secure, comfortable fit is key to making your CPAP therapy reliable. When your CPAP mask fits well, it stays in place through the night, minimizes air leaks, and delivers consistent pressure from your CPAP machine. A poor fit, on the other hand, can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and even disrupt your sleep. That’s why it’s important to take the time to try different mask styles and sizes. Working with a sleep coach or CPAP supplier can help you find a mask that’s snug without being tight - supporting both comfort and successful long-term treatment for sleep apnea.
Call a Sleep Coach
A sleep coach can walk you through your options, explain how different masks work, and help you find one that fits well and feels comfortable. This hands-on approach takes the guesswork out of the process and gives you confidence that your CPAP therapy setup will support better sleep and treatment for sleep apnea.
Book an Appointment with Sleep Coach Near you
Can I Trial CPAP Therapy?
Yes, you can! Many people prefer to try CPAP therapy before making a long-term commitment, and that’s completely understandable. A trial period gives you the chance to experience how a CPAP machine and CPAP mask work for your specific sleep apnea needs. ResMed offers trial programs that allow you to test the equipment for a limited time, giving you a feel for the comfort and fit of the therapy. If the trial works well for you, you’ll have the option to move forward and purchase the equipment with confidence, knowing it suits your lifestyle and sleep habits.
FAQ
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What is CPAP and why is it important for managing sleep apnea?
CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a first-line treatment for sleep apnea because it directly targets the root issue: blocked or narrowed airways during sleep. By using CPAP therapy, you’re not just improving your sleep—you’re actively protecting your long-term health. -
Can CPAP therapy help if I’ve already tried other treatments for sleep apnea?
Yes, CPAP therapy is often recommended even if other methods—like positional therapy or oral appliances—haven’t worked well. Unlike those options, CPAP delivers consistent airway support throughout the night. It’s especially reliable for moderate to severe sleep apnea, and many users report noticeable improvements even when other approaches have fallen short.
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How do I know if I’m using the right CPAP mask?
A well-fitting CPAP mask should feel secure but not tight, and you shouldn’t experience frequent leaks or discomfort. If you’re waking up often, have facial marks in the morning, or hear air escaping at night, these might be signs your current mask isn’t the best fit. Testing different styles and sizes is key—your comfort directly affects how well your therapy works. -
Is CPAP therapy suitable for light sleepers or those who move a lot at night?
Yes. There are many CPAP mask options and machine settings designed for people who toss and turn or wake easily. Features like flexible tubing, quieter machines, and lightweight mask designs make CPAP therapy more adaptable to your sleep style. If you’re a restless sleeper, choosing the right setup can make a big difference in staying consistent with treatment. -
What if I travel frequently—can I still stick with CPAP therapy?
Absolutely. Many modern CPAP machines are compact, lightweight, and approved for air travel, making it easy to maintain your CPAP therapy routine on the go. Some even come with battery options or travel-specific accessories. Sticking to your treatment while traveling is crucial to managing sleep apnea consistently, no matter where you are.
References:
*Resmed Sleep Coaches can give general information about sleep health, sleep disorders and products that may help improve your sleep. They are not qualified healthcare professionals and cannot provide medical advice
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. You should speak to your doctor about your symptoms and whether a CPAP device is suitable for you.
- https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/cpap-continuous-positive-airway-pressure
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cpap
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/cpap-side-effects
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/types-of-cpap-machines
- https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/6/4/51
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11910-021-01123-0
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-018-1821-2
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/cpap-mask-types
