Jul 21, 2025

What is CPAP?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and poor-quality rest. In Australia, CPAP therapy is widely used and has helped thousands of Australians improve their sleep and overall health.

A CPAP machine delivers air through a mask to keep the upper airway open during sleep. This prevents the airway from collapsing, reduces snoring and improves oxygen levels. Masks come in different styles, including nasal, full-face, and pillow systems, to suit individual requirements.

CPAP is typically used every night and is highly effective when used consistently, which supports better compliance.

CPAP therapy is the key component in managing obstructive sleep apnoea, significantly improving sleep quality and overall health. Consulting with healthcare professionals can help individuals find the most suitable and cost-effective solutions to support their ongoing treatment and long-term wellbeing.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep due to a temporary blockage of the upper airway (your throat or "pharynx"). These interruptions typically last between 10 seconds and a minute or more and can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times per night.

Each time your breathing pauses, your brain briefly arouses you from sleep to reopen the airway. Most of the time, you won’t remember waking up, but these disruptions severely reduce sleep quality and prevent your body from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep.

OSA occurs because of physical characteristics like a narrow or floppy airway, relaxed throat muscles, or increased tissue around the airway, especially in people who are overweight. This not only causes breathing issues but often leads to loud snoring—a hallmark symptom.

Symptoms of OSA

Many people with OSA are unaware they have it. Often, it's a partner or family member who notices something is wrong. Here are the most common symptoms:

Loud and persistent snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking
Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness, especially in the afternoon
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability or mood changes
Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
Needing to urinate multiple times during the night (nocturia)

Even if you’re not waking up at night, disrupted sleep can leave you feeling groggy, foggy, or fatigued the next day.

Why Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Is a Serious Concern

Many people think snoring is just a harmless (or annoying) habit. But in the case of OSA, it's a signal that your body is under stress.

Untreated OSA has been linked to a number of serious health risks, including:

High blood pressure
Heart disease and irregular heart rhythms
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Depression and anxiety
Impaired cognitive function
Workplace and motor vehicle accidents

In fact, people with untreated OSA are up to 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident due to drowsiness and slower reaction times. If your job involves operating machinery, driving, or making critical decisions, untreated OSA can be dangerous—not just for you, but for others as well.

Impact on Partners and Families

OSA doesn't just affect the person who has it. It often affects their bed partner too.

Snoring can disrupt your partner’s sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability for both of you. Some partners become anxious, staying awake to check if their loved one is breathing during the night. Over time, this can place strain on relationships and family dynamics.

Who Is at Risk?

OSA can affect anyone, including children, but certain factors increase your risk:

Being overweight or obese
Having a large neck circumference
Being male (although OSA is underdiagnosed in women)
Being over 40 years old
Having a family history of OSA
Smoking or regular alcohol consumption
Using sedatives or sleeping pills
Nasal congestion or certain anatomical features like a recessed jaw or large tonsils

How Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have OSA, the first step is to speak with your GP. They may recommend a sleep study—also known as a polysomnography—which monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement during sleep. Sleep studies can often be done at home or in a sleep clinic.

Results from the study help determine whether you have sleep apnoea, how severe it is (mild, moderate, or severe), and what treatment is most appropriate

Treatment Options for OSA

The good news is that OSA is very treatable—and managing it can significantly improve your sleep, energy, health, and quality of life.

1. Lifestyle Changes

For those with mild OSA or who are newly diagnosed, simple changes may make a big difference:

Weight loss: Excess body weight, especially around the neck, can restrict your airway.
Reduce alcohol and avoid sedatives: These relax the throat muscles and increase the likelihood of airway collapse.
Adjust your sleep position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back can help keep the airway open.
Quit smoking: Smoking causes inflammation and fluid retention in the airway.

2. CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

CPAP is the gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. It involves wearing a mask connected to a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air pressure throughout the night. This air pressure keeps your airway open, preventing apnoea events and snoring.

Benefits of CPAP:

Improves daytime alertness and mood
Reduces risk of heart disease and stroke
Eliminates snoring
Helps you wake up feeling refreshed

While CPAP can take a little getting used to, most users report dramatic improvements in their sleep and overall wellbeing once adjusted.

3. Oral Appliances

For those who can’t tolerate CPAP or have mild OSA, an oral appliance—also called a mandibular advancement device—may be an option. This custom-made mouthguard holds your jaw slightly forward to help keep your airway open during sleep.

These devices are typically fitted by a dentist trained in sleep medicine. They’re also useful for managing snoring.

4. Surgery

Surgical treatment is usually reserved for those who don’t respond to other therapies. Various procedures are available to remove or reposition tissue in the airway or correct structural problems. These are best discussed with a sleep or ENT specialist.

Self-Care Tips to Support Treatment

Managing OSA isn’t just about machines or mouthguards. To get the best results:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before bed
Keep your bedroom quiet and dark
Use your CPAP machine every night, even during naps
Clean and maintain your CPAP equipment regularly

Final Thoughts

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is more than just snoring—it’s a serious medical condition that affects your entire body and mind. The sooner it’s diagnosed and treated, the sooner you can reclaim your energy, focus, and quality of life.

If you think you or someone you care about may have OSA, don’t ignore the signs. Speak to your GP or visit a sleep clinic to get started on the path to better sleep.