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How Long Does CPAP Take to Work?

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how long does CPAP take to work

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering how long does CPAP take to work. You’ve conquered the sleep study and gotten your equipment, but now you’re struggling to get comfortable while sleeping with your CPAP. For many, sleeping with a CPAP can take some adjustment. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your CPAP therapy experience.

Discovering how to navigate some common issues experienced by those new to CPAP can help you improve your sleep apnea symptoms and help you get better rest as soon as your first night with your CPAP. 

How Long Does CPAP Take to Work?

The key to successful CPAP therapy is consistency and patience. If you are new to CPAP treatment, it may be difficult to tell if it’s working, leaving you to wonder how long does CPAP take to work. One sure sign that the treatment is working is that you are finding you sleep through the night more often. The amount of time it takes certainly varies: some experience improvements right away and others may not feel the effects for weeks or even months.

Another factor that impacts how long does it take for CPAP to work is what type of sleep apnea you have. Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may feel some improvements after a single night. Someone being treated for other instances of sleep apnea, on the other hand—such as Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) or Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA)—may require more time and patience to adjust.

It’s also not uncommon for the person who sleeps next to you to actually be the first one to feel the results from CPAP. They may notice that you are less likely to snore at night or suffer the paused breathing common with sleep apnea. As a result, your sleeping partner may find that their sleep and overall mood is greatly improved right from the start of your therapy. Additionally, studies show that CPAP adherence over time can also improve the quality of your relationship. 

How Long Does it Take to Adjust to CPAP?

It depends, but there are several things you can do to get to a better night of rest sooner rather than later. The very first thing you can do to shorten the time it takes for CPAP to work is to use your machine every single night. If you are using your CPAP nightly on a regular basis and still experiencing problems, there are a few things to investigate:

  • Your Mask Feels Uncomfortable: The first thing you can do is get used to your CPAP mask. Some experience some discomfort the first time they wear their mask. To get acclimated some people mask-train during the day (if possible) by wearing their mask around the house. This can work for some, but it’s limited to the type of mask someone has.
  • Your Mask May Not Be the Right Fit: Another factor that can help make your CPAP therapy successful is ensuring you have the right mask for your sleep apnea type and personal sleeping style. CPAP masks come in various shapes and sizes, and sometimes the one that felt right at the doctor’s office may not be the best fit at home. Natural body changes over time can also cause you to require a different mask.
  • Your CPAP is Set Up Incorrectly: When you completed your sleep study to determine your CPAP needs, the test measured the number of stop-start breathing episodes you had. Called apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), this index number helps doctors determine the level of severity of your apnea. To calculate this figure, doctors observe the number of these episodes during the sleep test and divide it by the number of hours slept. CPAP therapy aims to reduce your AHI to five episodes or less per hour. If after being on CPAP for a while you still don’t feel the benefits, check to see if your AHI is still five or higher. If so, you may need to either adjust your pressure settings or check your mask for leaks.

There are also a variety of other common problems that you may experience if your new to CPAP, but there are also other things you can try to get acclimated to CPAP.

How Long Do You Have to Use a CPAP Machine?

The million dollar question isn’t usually about how long you have to use your CPAP machine before you notice that it’s working, but rather how long it takes until you’re free of apnea symptoms. The answer, though, isn’t simple—the goal of CPAP therapy isn’t to make your apnea go away, but to help you manage the symptoms you experience.

While it’s possible for someone to be free of sleep apnea symptoms over time, it will take dedication to their CPAP therapy and changes to lifestyle choices (like consuming less alcohol and caffeine, smoking cessation, and getting regular exercise).

Another consideration for continued compliance are the general improvements that help stave off symptoms as daytime sluggishness and brain fog, depression, and sleeplessness. Despite these benefits, some still resist CPAP; a study showed that unpartnered women with OSA were less likely to be compliant with CPAP than those who had a partner.

Final Thoughts

how long does CPAP take to work

It’s understandable that you want to know how long does CPAP take to work. Aside from meeting with your doctor to discuss why CPAP may not be working for you, there are also several resources available to you, including our blog and free digital forum. We also have customer service representatives available to answer questions as well as in-depth FAQs that may answer questions you may have to help you get the most out of your CPAP treatment.

You can also talk to your doctor if you are worried and wondering how long does CPAP take to work. Your doctor can provide insights and answers, as well as updates about your personal health. By working together, you can find the best approach to your symptoms and the best way to manage your health and your sleep.

References:

1. Nasal CPAP: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2011, July 31). MedlinePlus. https://cybercemetery.unt.edu/archive/oilspill/20120924203408/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001916.htm

2. Weaver, Terri E., et al. “Relationship Between Hours of CPAP Use and Achieving Normal Levels of Sleepiness and Daily Functioning”. Published in the medical journal Sleep, June 1, 2007. Accessed August 14, 2018.

3. Andreea Antonescu-Turcu, MD and Sairam Parthasarathy, MD. “CPAP and Bi-level PAP Therapy: New and Established Roles”. Published in the medical journal Respiratory Care, June 22, 2011. Accessed on August 14, 2018.

  • David Repasky

    David Repasky has been using CPAP treatment since 2017 and has first-hand experience with what it's like to live with Sleep Apnea. He brings the patient's perspective to the CPAP.com blog and has received formal training in CPAP machines, masks, and equipment.

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9 Responses

  1. IHi David
    I have been using my CPAP machine for about almost 3 months now and what a mess the first month was the full mask tore into my nose so bad I have a scar and got an infection. Now I’m using the nassel one and getting chaffing and it falls out because I move too much. I don’t know what to do? But I do know that when I do get a chance to use the machine for 8 hrs. Straight I feel great! Do you have any suggestions on what other devices I can use on my face to get a better nights sleep continuously?
    Thank you Kristine

  2. I ham going on my 6 th week of using my CPAP and I still can’t get used to it. The most I have worn it is 5 hours and that is rare if you have any suggestions please let me know because this process is really getting me down

    1. Hi Jan, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having some problems adjusting to your CPAP therapy. Keep in mind that the amount of time it takes for you to become acclimated to your therapy varies widely from person to person. Some folks are able to tolerate therapy immediately, some takes up to six months, or longer.

      One of the most important aspects in having success with your CPAP therapy is making certain that you have a comfortable fit with your mask, including no leaks, the mask must be the correct size.

      I would encourage you to try a different style mask, also try watching tv with your mask on, or if you take a nap during the day, do so while using your CPAP machine. Also, if your machine’s pressure setting is too high, or too low, it causes discomfort. Be sure to keep your doctor in the loop with your CPAP therapy, so that adjustments can be made as needed.

      Please see the link below to our cpaptalk.com forum to see what other CPAP users are saying about getting use to their therapy.

      http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t117279/How-long-did-it-take-you-to-get-used-to-cpap.html

      Otherwise, being patient, keeping an open-mind and remaining positive to your medically necessary therapy may help you get through the rough patches and allow you to keep going with your therapy.

      We wish you the best, don’t give up!

  3. I’m on the sleep apnea machine for about 4 weeks. The first 3 weeks I slept better and was rested out but 4th week I dont sleep as well and I’m tired and very low energy during the day. So what the Hell is that about?

    1. Hi Peter,
      I’m sorry to hear you’re having some trouble with your CPAP therapy. Please keep in mind that even though you started our doing very well with your therapy, it does take time to become fully acclimated with your CPAP therapy.

      To improve your therapy, it’s important to understand the challenges that you’re having. Do you have a comfortable mask? It often takes trying several different masks before you find the one that works well for you. Does it feel like a lot of air is blowing, or that you aren’t getting enough air? Are you experiencing noise from your machine, which is causing you to not sleep well?

      Also, I would encourage you to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor can review your therapy data in detail, to confirm if a setting adjustment is warranted.

      We have a CPAP blog, a forum where a lot of seasoned CPAP users, share information and provide tips for successful therapy. Please visit CPAPtalk.com, to join in on the conversation.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Don’t give up on your therapy, we wish you the best!

  4. Hi,
    I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, have a machine, and am on the second kind of mask, but it never seems to make a difference in my sleep pattern — I wake up every two hours with or without the machine.
    Is it possible I was misdiagnosed?

    1. Hi Liz,
      Were you diagnosed with sleep apnea after having a sleep study? If so, your diagnosis, is probably correct, but there is always a possibility of a misdiagnosis.

      In order to assist we must get to the root of the problem which is causing you to awake every 2 hours while using the machine? Does it feel like you’re getting too much/little air? Is your mask a comfortable fit? What type of mask are you using (full face, nasal, nasal pillow)?

      I understand you’re already on your second mask, but keep in mind that you may have to try several masks before you find the one best for you. If you need assistance with finding a mask that may work best for you, please feel free to give us a call at: 1-800-356-5221 and we’re happy to help.

      Also, be mindful that it may take some time to become acclimated with your CPAP therapy. Some folks are able to successfully use their machine immediately, some take a couple of months others years.

      I would recommend you speaking with your doctor/therapist about your concerns, as he/she will be able to review your therapy data in depth to determine if your machine settings should be adjusted.

      Best Wishes!

  5. I started using the CPAP in 2015. It took me 6 months to acclimate to the CPAP and the improvements were ever so gradual (basically unnoticeable, but then one day I realized my memory had dramatically improved, I had an easier time concentrating, and I wasn’t as physically drained). Initially, I would wake up in a panic because something was stuck on my face, and I would just rip the mask off. Now, the act of putting on the mask itself is my entire night time ritual as it signals to my brain that it’s bedtime, and I generally fall asleep within 5 minutes. Hang in there because it does eventually get better and the benefits are totally worth it! After awhile, you won’t want to sleep without it as you don’t want to risk how terrible you could potentially feel after a crap night’s sleep — the difference is like night and day. The CPAP should also be used for naps as well! Wish you newly diagnosed individuals the best of luck on your CPAP journeys!

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