CPAP Failure

When CPAP fails

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains the first-line treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. However, a significant proportion of patients struggle with adherence or continue to experience symptoms.

Failure is not always technical. It is often structural.

Why CPAP may not succeed

  • Mask intolerance

  • Pressure intolerance

  • Anatomical resistance patterns

  • Nasal obstruction

  • Behavioural or lifestyle factors

  • Misalignment between diagnosis and symptom profile

Not all CPAP “failure” is equal. Understanding the reason matters.

Some patients begin exploring CPAP alternatives, but without structured reassessment, this can lead to inappropriate treatment.

What should not happen next

When CPAP fails, patients are often moved quickly toward:

  • Generic oral appliance provision

  • Surgery without structured reassessment

  • Fragmented opinions across disciplines

This increases cost and risk without improving clarity.

A structured reassessment pathway

SleepLogic applies a structured review model that:

  • Re-evaluates diagnostic assumptions

  • Reviews anatomical and airway considerations

  • Assesses suitability for mandibular advancement devices or alternative approaches

  • Defines clear inclusion and exclusion criteria

Where intervention is not appropriate, this is clearly documented.

Next step

Book a Sleep Strategy Assessment