CPAP Facts

• The CPAP device was invented in 1980 by Colin Sullivan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D, FRACP. It because commercially available in 1985. National Sleep Foundation.

• Nearly half of all sleep apnea patients are not compliant with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device treatment. These patients cite discomfort and inconvenience as two reasons they do not treat their condition. National Center for Biotechnology Information.

• Up to half of all people prescribed a CPAP machine stop using it every night, all night, after just one to three weeks. Journal of the American Medical Association.

• Even those who continue to use their CPAP device often don’t use it consistently or for the entire time they are asleep. Those who use a CPAP device every night only use it for an average of six hours per night, while those who sometimes skip nights only use it for an average of three hours per night. The benefits of CPAP use are affected even if a single night is missed. National Institute of Health.

• Surprisingly, most types of spousal involvement don’t increase CPAP usage. Although collaborative involvement somewhat increased regular CPAP use over three months, positive, negative, and one-sided involvement did not improve usage and in some cases decreased useage. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

• The CPAP device can cause sleep disturbance issues unrelated to obstructive sleep apnea, including interrupted sleep from wearing the mask and hose, insomnia, headaches, pressure sores and skin irritation, psychological issues like claustrophobia, and nasal issues such as dry and stuffy nose. Mayo Clinic.

• The CPAP market in the United States was estimated at $1.5 billion in 2010. It is expected to grow to $2.5 billion by 2017. Trib Total Media.