Not using yourcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machinefor one night isn’t likely to lead to any serious consequences. However, there are still risks associated with doing so.While you may experience some continuing benefits for a while from previous CPAP use, consistent use is better for your overall health. It prevents or reduces serious concerns associated withsleep apnea, such as heart disease andhigh blood pressure.This article discusses what happens if you don’t use your CPAP machine, including potential outcomes and risks.Tim Kitchen / Getty ImagesSleep DisordersLong-Term Health ConsequencesThe risk of sudden death,stroke, orheart attackassociated with one night of failed CPAP machine use is likely very small.Instead, sleep apnea is a long-term risk factor for these medical consequences. It is a condition that is usually present for years and it’s the cumulative exposure to the adverse effects of sleep apnea, like untreated high blood pressure, that may lead to serious health concerns.9 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) SymptomsBenefits Continue When Sleeping Without CPAPIn the short term, previous CPAP machine use may provide you with a residual benefit, even if you don’t use it for a couple of days.Sleep apnea andsnoringcan causeinflammationof the tissues that line the airway within the nose and throat. With CPAP therapy, this symptom can be reduced. Research suggests this reduction in inflammation occurs when individuals use their CPAP machine for around five days a week for a little over six hours or more per night.This may indicate that having previous, consistent CPAP use will allow you to still experience some residual benefits, even if you skip a night of use.If you take a break from your CPAP machine for several days, it may take time for the airway inflammation to return to its previous level of severity. However, for many individuals, symptoms may return within a night or two.Prioritizing Consistent CPAP Machine UseIf you need to take a break from using your CPAP machine, keep in mind that your symptoms will likely resurface within a day or two. Before sleeping without your CPAP, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider first. While the risks associated with skipping a night or two tend to be small, it’s in your best interest to avoid any treatment interruption.To help avoid treatment interruption, you may consider:Using a full-face mask if you have a cold, so you still receive oxygen even withnasal congestionTaking an additional CPAP battery with you if you go campingTaking atravel CPAPwith you on tripsSleep Apnea Devices That WorkA Word From VerywellIt is essential to communicate with your board-certified sleep medicine specialist if you are experiencing difficulties with CPAP therapy. They can help address any issues, adjust settings, or explore alternative treatments to ensure the most effective management of your sleep apnea. Regular follow-ups and open communication are crucial for successful long-term use of CPAP therapy.—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Not using yourcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machinefor one night isn’t likely to lead to any serious consequences. However, there are still risks associated with doing so.
While you may experience some continuing benefits for a while from previous CPAP use, consistent use is better for your overall health. It prevents or reduces serious concerns associated withsleep apnea, such as heart disease andhigh blood pressure.
This article discusses what happens if you don’t use your CPAP machine, including potential outcomes and risks.
Tim Kitchen / Getty Images
Sleep Disorders
Long-Term Health Consequences
The risk of sudden death,stroke, orheart attackassociated with one night of failed CPAP machine use is likely very small.
Instead, sleep apnea is a long-term risk factor for these medical consequences. It is a condition that is usually present for years and it’s the cumulative exposure to the adverse effects of sleep apnea, like untreated high blood pressure, that may lead to serious health concerns.
9 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Symptoms
Benefits Continue When Sleeping Without CPAP
In the short term, previous CPAP machine use may provide you with a residual benefit, even if you don’t use it for a couple of days.
Sleep apnea andsnoringcan causeinflammationof the tissues that line the airway within the nose and throat. With CPAP therapy, this symptom can be reduced. Research suggests this reduction in inflammation occurs when individuals use their CPAP machine for around five days a week for a little over six hours or more per night.
This may indicate that having previous, consistent CPAP use will allow you to still experience some residual benefits, even if you skip a night of use.
If you take a break from your CPAP machine for several days, it may take time for the airway inflammation to return to its previous level of severity. However, for many individuals, symptoms may return within a night or two.
Prioritizing Consistent CPAP Machine Use
If you need to take a break from using your CPAP machine, keep in mind that your symptoms will likely resurface within a day or two. Before sleeping without your CPAP, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider first. While the risks associated with skipping a night or two tend to be small, it’s in your best interest to avoid any treatment interruption.
To help avoid treatment interruption, you may consider:
Sleep Apnea Devices That Work
A Word From VerywellIt is essential to communicate with your board-certified sleep medicine specialist if you are experiencing difficulties with CPAP therapy. They can help address any issues, adjust settings, or explore alternative treatments to ensure the most effective management of your sleep apnea. Regular follow-ups and open communication are crucial for successful long-term use of CPAP therapy.—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
It is essential to communicate with your board-certified sleep medicine specialist if you are experiencing difficulties with CPAP therapy. They can help address any issues, adjust settings, or explore alternative treatments to ensure the most effective management of your sleep apnea. Regular follow-ups and open communication are crucial for successful long-term use of CPAP therapy.—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
It is essential to communicate with your board-certified sleep medicine specialist if you are experiencing difficulties with CPAP therapy. They can help address any issues, adjust settings, or explore alternative treatments to ensure the most effective management of your sleep apnea. Regular follow-ups and open communication are crucial for successful long-term use of CPAP therapy.
—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Sleep Medicine.What is CPAP Therapy?Masa JF, Corral-Peñafiel J.Should use of 4 hours continuous positive airway pressure per night be considered acceptable compliance?Eur Respir J. 2014;44(5):1119-1120. doi:10.1183/09031936.00121514Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins University.The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.Tichanon P, Wilaiwan K, Sopida S, Orapin P, Watchara B, Banjamas I.Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on airway inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016;2016:1-7. doi:10.1155/2016/3107324American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.Taking your cpap on a trip. Don’t leave home without it!
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Sleep Medicine.What is CPAP Therapy?Masa JF, Corral-Peñafiel J.Should use of 4 hours continuous positive airway pressure per night be considered acceptable compliance?Eur Respir J. 2014;44(5):1119-1120. doi:10.1183/09031936.00121514Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins University.The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.Tichanon P, Wilaiwan K, Sopida S, Orapin P, Watchara B, Banjamas I.Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on airway inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016;2016:1-7. doi:10.1155/2016/3107324American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.Taking your cpap on a trip. Don’t leave home without it!
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.What is CPAP Therapy?Masa JF, Corral-Peñafiel J.Should use of 4 hours continuous positive airway pressure per night be considered acceptable compliance?Eur Respir J. 2014;44(5):1119-1120. doi:10.1183/09031936.00121514Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins University.The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.Tichanon P, Wilaiwan K, Sopida S, Orapin P, Watchara B, Banjamas I.Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on airway inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016;2016:1-7. doi:10.1155/2016/3107324American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.Taking your cpap on a trip. Don’t leave home without it!
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.What is CPAP Therapy?
Masa JF, Corral-Peñafiel J.Should use of 4 hours continuous positive airway pressure per night be considered acceptable compliance?Eur Respir J. 2014;44(5):1119-1120. doi:10.1183/09031936.00121514
Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins University.The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.
Tichanon P, Wilaiwan K, Sopida S, Orapin P, Watchara B, Banjamas I.Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on airway inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Canadian Respiratory Journal. 2016;2016:1-7. doi:10.1155/2016/3107324
American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.Taking your cpap on a trip. Don’t leave home without it!
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