CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Historically, CPAP has typically been considered “the solution” by health care professionals.

Traditionally, if you suffered from sleep apnea, the immediate and usually only prescription has been a CPAP machine. If you suffer from sleep apnea, there’s a good chance your doctor has prescribed a CPAP machine.

How does a CPAP machine work?

If you have never used a CPAP machine before, you might not be familiar with how it works. There is a specially designed mask which you’re required to wear while you sleep. This mask uses pressure to basically force air through your nasal passages and this forced air and ultimate increase of oxygen, prevents your airways from collapsing or restricting while your sleep. The theory is then you’re able to breathe freely and your sleep apnea will be eliminated.

There are benefits to wearing the mask. It will decrease and even abolish your snoring altogether, resulting in more rest for both you and your bed partner. A CPAP machine has also been known to decrease headaches.

While there is no question the machine has its advantages, the biggest disadvantage is its unpopularity. It’s a difficult appliance to commit to. You have to wear the mask EVERY single night and it needs to adequately cover up your nose and mouth. Because it’s such a nuisance, most people only end up wearing it for 4 hours a night (on average) which defeats the purpose of the machine altogether.

More negatives of the machine are it can lend itself to facial breakouts, as the straps of the device get dirty and oily. And because air is constantly being forced through the machine and through you, it leads to a dry, sore throat, a runny nose and it irritates the nose and the eyes. Another reason it can be unpopular is some patients feel claustrophobic with it on.

All through the night, you have to use a pump and mask, forcing air through your body. The sound of the oxygen pump and the limiting, restrictive feeling of the mask is difficult for a lot of people to get used to. Some people have difficulty getting the mask to fit properly and suffer from air leakage.

If you visit your family doctor, chances are they will prescribe a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. While they do work, the problem is a lot of people find it uncomfortable to use and they don’t end up using it. In fact, only about 25% of people can fully adapt to CPAP use, therefore the majority of people continue to suffer from sleep apnea and its potentially life-threatening consequences.