About This Treatment
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy delivers a gentle, steady stream of pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep. The air acts like a splint that holds the upper airway open, preventing the repeated collapses that cause obstructive sleep apnea. It is one of the most established treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
CPAP is a treatment rather than a surgery. Success depends heavily on comfort, mask fit, and consistent nightly use, so the early weeks of adjustment matter as much as the prescription itself. Many people who struggle at first do well once the mask, pressure, and humidity settings are optimized.
At Norelle Health, CPAP is matched to a confirmed diagnosis and ongoing support. When the nose is blocked or the mask is poorly tolerated, we look for treatable reasons rather than assuming CPAP cannot work, and we discuss alternatives such as oral appliances or surgery when CPAP is genuinely not a fit.
Who may be a candidate
CPAP is typically considered after a sleep study confirms obstructive sleep apnea. It is often the first choice for moderate to severe apnea and for patients with significant daytime sleepiness or cardiovascular risk.
Nasal congestion, claustrophobia, and lifestyle factors are reviewed before starting, because treating nasal obstruction or choosing a different mask can make the difference between abandoning and tolerating therapy.
Considering CPAP therapy? The next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation.
How it is set up
After diagnosis, a pressure setting is determined through a titration study or an auto-adjusting (APAP) device that responds to breathing through the night. A mask is fitted to your facial anatomy and breathing pattern.
Most modern machines record nightly use, mask leak, and residual apnea events. This data lets the care team adjust pressure, humidity, and mask choice rather than relying on guesswork.
Recovery and aftercare
There is no downtime. The focus is on comfort and consistency.
- Use the machine every night and for naps when possible
- Clean the mask and tubing regularly to reduce irritation
- Add or adjust heated humidity for dryness or congestion
- Report leaks, pressure intolerance, or skin irritation early so the setup can be adjusted
- Treat nasal obstruction (allergy, septum, turbinates) when it limits airflow
Risks and alternatives
CPAP is very safe. Side effects are usually minor and adjustable: nasal dryness or congestion, air swallowing, skin marks, or a sense of pressure that takes time to get used to.
When CPAP is not tolerated despite troubleshooting, alternatives may include oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, weight management, nasal or airway surgery, or upper-airway stimulation (Inspire) for selected patients. The right alternative depends on apnea severity and airway anatomy.
Results and follow-up
Benefits of CPAP generally last only as long as it is used consistently, so ongoing follow-up centers on adherence and symptom control. Many patients feel more alert within days to weeks once therapy is effective.
Follow-up reviews download data from the device, compares it with how you feel, and adjusts the mask or pressure. Periodic reassessment is reasonable after major weight change or new symptoms.
Clinical references
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (https://sleepeducation.org)
Medical review
This page is a patient-education resource reviewed by the responsible Norelle Health clinician before publication. It does not replace an in-person evaluation. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek immediate medical care.
Specialists who provide CPAP therapy
Dr. Adrian Ong
MD
Board-Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive and Head & Neck Surgeon
Dr. Adrian Ong is a board-certified surgeon who practices exclusively on the face, head, and neck, with expertise spanning rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, facial trauma, reconstruction, and sleep surgery.
- Functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty (including revision)
- Sinus surgery and complex revision sinus surgery
- Facial trauma and nasal fractures
- Head and neck cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction
Also caring for this area
Not sure who to see? Our patient coordination team can help match you with the right specialist.
(212) 444-8006Frequently Asked Questions
CPAP delivers pressurized air through a mask that keeps the upper airway open during sleep. This prevents the repeated airway collapses that fragment sleep and lower oxygen levels in obstructive sleep apnea.
Yes. CPAP is prescribed after a sleep study confirms obstructive sleep apnea and helps determine the appropriate pressure, either through a titration study or an auto-adjusting device.
Many early problems are fixable with a different mask style, humidity, or pressure adjustment, and by treating nasal congestion. If CPAP remains intolerable, oral appliances, surgery, or upper-airway stimulation may be discussed.
No. CPAP is not a surgery. Most of the adjustment happens over the first few weeks as you find a comfortable setup and build a nightly routine.
CPAP controls sleep apnea while it is being used but does not permanently cure it. Benefits depend on consistent nightly use, and apnea generally returns if therapy stops.
Airflow can dry or irritate the nasal lining, and untreated nasal obstruction can worsen the sensation. Heated humidity and treatment of allergies or structural blockage often help.
Early follow-up helps optimize comfort and confirm the therapy is working using the machine's data. Periodic checks are reasonable thereafter, especially after weight change or new symptoms.
Yes. Most machines are compact, and travel-friendly models are available. CPAP is generally allowed as a medical device when flying.
Related Conditions
Related Procedures
1 of 4 · Home Sleep Apnea Test
Request a consultation about CPAP therapy
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