Everything You Want to Know About Sleep Apnea & CPAP — Answered!

Sleep Apnea FAQs: What You Really Need to Know

1. What are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea?

If you snore loudly, wake up gasping or choking, feel tired all day, or wake with headaches or dry mouth, you might have sleep apnea. Many people don’t realize it until a bed partner notices the symptoms first!

2. Why do people with sleep apnea feel so tired during the day?

Your breathing actually stops and starts dozens of times per night, causing tiny awakenings you don’t remember. So even if you’re in bed for 8 hours, your sleep isn’t restful — leaving you exhausted the next day.

3. Can untreated sleep apnea be dangerous?

Yes! Untreated sleep apnea strains your heart and body by lowering oxygen levels repeatedly. It raises risks for high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and even accidents due to daytime drowsiness.

4. Can sleep apnea affect my mood or mental health?

Absolutely. Poor sleep and low oxygen from apnea can cause irritability, anxiety, depression, and trouble concentrating. It’s not “just snoring” — it affects your brain, too.

5. Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Yes, and it’s a two-way street! Sleep apnea can mess with hunger hormones, making you eat more, and daytime fatigue often reduces activity, which can lead to weight gain.

6. Does being overweight increase sleep apnea risk?

Carrying extra weight, especially around the neck, narrows your airway and makes apnea more likely. Even modest weight loss can help reduce symptoms.

7. What lifestyle changes can help with sleep apnea?

Try losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, sleeping on your side instead of your back, quitting smoking, and keeping good sleep habits like regular bedtimes and no screens before sleep.

8. Who is most at risk for sleep apnea?

Men, older adults, people with thicker necks or narrow airways, smokers, and those with a family history are at higher risk — but apnea can affect anyone.

9. How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Your doctor will usually recommend a sleep study that monitors your breathing overnight, either at home or in a clinic, to confirm if you have sleep apnea.

10. Can sleep apnea be cured?

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure. Weight loss or certain surgeries can sometimes eliminate apnea, but for most people, treatments like CPAP manage the condition effectively.

11. Can children have sleep apnea too?

Yes, children can have sleep apnea, especially if they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Symptoms in kids may include restless sleep, bedwetting, learning difficulties, or hyperactivity.

12. When should I see a doctor?

If you snore loudly with pauses or choking sounds, feel unrefreshed or very sleepy during the day, or your partner notices you stop breathing at night — it’s time to get checked.

CPAP FAQs: What to Expect From Your Therapy

1. What is a CPAP machine and how does it work?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep — no more breathing pauses or snoring.

2. What if CPAP feels uncomfortable?

You’re not alone! Up to 40% of people struggle at first. Dry mouth, mask leaks, or feeling claustrophobic are common but fixable. A better-fitting mask, humidifier, or ramp-up pressure setting usually makes it easier.

3. Are there other treatments besides CPAP?

Yes! Your doctor might suggest dental devices, other PAP machines like BiPAP or APAP, or even surgery. Weight loss and lifestyle changes also help a lot.

4. Does CPAP cure sleep apnea?

CPAP treats symptoms but doesn’t cure the condition. You’ll likely need it every night to keep breathing normal. But it does lower health risks and improve your quality of life.

5. Which mask is best for me?

• Nasal masks cover just the nose and are great if you move a lot in your sleep.

• Nasal pillows are small inserts for your nostrils and offer minimal face contact.

• Full-face masks cover your nose and mouth, ideal if you breathe through your mouth or have congestion.

6. What if I breathe through my mouth?

A full-face mask usually works best. Some people use a nasal mask plus a chin strap to keep their mouth closed.

7. How do I get used to CPAP if I feel claustrophobic?

Try wearing the mask during the day while watching TV, use the ramp feature that slowly increases air pressure, and give yourself time — most people adjust in a week or two.

8. What are CPAP pressure settings?

Traditional CPAP gives constant pressure all night. APAP or auto-CPAP adjusts pressure automatically as you sleep. BiPAP provides different pressures for inhaling and exhaling, helpful for some users.

9. How do I clean and maintain my CPAP?

Wash mask cushions daily, clean the tubing and humidifier weekly, change distilled water nightly, and replace parts regularly (every 1–6 months depending on the part).

10. Can I travel with CPAP?

Definitely! Many machines are compact and travel-friendly, some even FAA-approved for airplanes. Portable batteries make camping with CPAP possible, too.

11. What if my CPAP mask leaks?

Leaks usually mean the mask doesn’t fit right. Adjust straps for a snug but comfortable fit, reposition the mask, or try a different size or style.

12. What if my mask causes skin irritation?

Check the fit and loosen straps if needed. Use fabric liners or padding, switch masks if necessary, and talk to your provider about options to prevent sores.

Final Thoughts

Sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s very manageable. Understanding your symptoms, asking the right questions, and finding the best CPAP fit can make a huge difference in your sleep — and your life.