For many patients, the major drawback of a CPAP machine is that it can be uncomfortable and can take some time to get used to, according to Dr. Kilkenny and Dr. Peña-Hernández. If it’s very uncomfortable, Dr. Peña-Hernández recommends adjusting it or trying an alternative style and/or size. However, some patients never get used to CPAP machines, regardless of size or type of mask, and end up needing alternative treatments, he adds.
“Some patients have difficulty keeping the mask on and will pull it off unwittingly,” says Dr. Kilkenny. This can prevent the machine from working properly. Some patients also find it difficult to adjust to forced air, especially in the beginning of CPAP therapy, says Dr. Peña-Hernándezadding that this can become more tolerable over time.
Research has shown that many patients stop using their CPAP machines due to discomfort. A 2008 study published in Canadian Respiratory Journal looked at 80 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who were prescribed CPAP machines as treatment and found that a significant portion of them didn’t start or eventually abandoned the CPAP machine for reasons including discomfort, the noise of the machine, a feeling of “claustrophobia” while using it and a general dislike of the machine. 31% of patients never filled their prescriptions, citing general discomfort or displeasure regarding trying out the CPAP device in the first place. In fact, the study estimated only 54% of participants adhered to CPAP use long term.
According to a 2021 review in Frontiers in Psychology examining how to improve CPAP adherence in adults, studies have found that the effectiveness of the treatment is limited by poor acceptance and compliance. Studies have found that 8% to 15% of patients refuse CPAP treatment after the first night, and at least 50% of patients stop using it after one year, according to the review.
Using a CPAP machine can also lead to undesirable side effects. A 2020 review in Respirology considering these side effects found that they can include skin irritations and rashes, nasal congestion, claustrophobia, facial fractures, conjunctivitis and aerophagia (the excessive swallowing of air).
It’s worth noting that CPAP machine use is typically a lifelong treatment. “Even though using CPAP sounds difficult to endure, treatment with the CPAP can dramatically improve a patient’s lifestyle as well as significantly decrease the likelihood of worsening cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Kilkenny. “For these reasons, with a little persistence, most patients are able to slowly adapt to the CPAP mask and soon don’t even realize they have it on.”
If you have been prescribed a CPAP machine and find it uncomfortable, speak with your health care provider immediately, as there are ways to enhance comfort while using the machine, such as using a mask barrier, adjusting air flow or trying a different model or fit.
That said, some research has shown that the severity of obstructive sleep apnea plays a role in the long-term benefits of CPAP machine use. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research looked at the effects of the treatment on quality of life and found that long-term improvement primarily occurred in patients who had severe and possibly moderate sleep apnea and used a CPAP machine.
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What Is A CPAP Machine – Forbes Health - Forbes
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