Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the "gold standard" of treatment for patients with sleep apnea . The CPAP machine works by using pressure to send air flowing through the nasal passages, keeping the throat from collapsing during sleep—the main reason why individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing periodically throughout the night.

Why is this important? Most of us are aware that a good night’s sleep is essential. REM Sleep, the time during sleep when we dream, contributes to overall health and proper body function. But during a sleep apnea event, the individual leaves REM sleep many times throughout the night to restart his or her breathing. The result is a lack of deeply restful sleep that seriously affects the body's ability to function.

There are three different types of CPAP machines:

• CPAP: delivers one continuous air pressure
• APAP: adjusts to your need for oxygen by starting out at low pressure, senses raising the pressure during a sleep apnea event
• BiPAP: uses a higher pressure when you inhale and lower pressure when you exhale

CPAP cannot cure sleep apnea, but it does alleviate symptoms such as:

• Snoring
• Nasal dryness
• Headaches
• Irritated eyes
• Daytime fatigue
• Weight gain
• Changes in mood
• Driver impairment

Unfortunately, getting used to sleeping with a mask on your face and air flowing down your nasal passages is not the easiest thing to do. Some patients decide they cannot get used to CPAP and eventually abandon the machine. Although this can be a serious health mistake, here are some of the reasons why patients feel this way:

• CPAP is highly successful when used properly, but many patients have trouble complying with its usage. Only 23% - 45% of patients have success.
• When used as directed, the CPAP success rate is nearly 100%! Unfortunately, CPAP is difficult to stick to, since the individual must commit to wearing a mask over the nose and mouth every night.
• The mask should be worn all night. Some wear if for 4 hours or less each night and never reap the complete benefits.
• Face breakouts, eye and nasal irritation, mouth dryness, runny nose and sore throat can all be side effects of CPAP.
• Patients with allergies, ‘mouth breathers’, and patients who sleep on their stomachs may find CPAP difficult to use.

Patients who have decided CPAP is not the right treatment for them frequently benefit from alternative treatments, such as oral appliance therapy .