Sleep data and AHI

Central Apneas on CPAP (Clear Airway Events): What They Mean

Central apneas, often labeled clear airway events on your machine, are pauses in breathing when your airway is open but your brain does not send the signal to breathe. A few can be normal, and some people develop more of them when they first start CPAP, which often settles with time. Frequent or increasing central events need a sleep doctor's review, because the fix is clinical, not a home adjustment.

Signs

  • Your app or machine reports central or clear airway events
  • AHI stays high even though leak is low
  • Feeling unrefreshed despite good mask seal and usage
  • Bed partner notices pauses without snoring

Common causes

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea
Some people develop central apneas after starting CPAP. A systematic review found reported prevalence ranged from 5.0% to 20.3% across studies, and it is often transient with continued use.
Central sleep apnea alongside obstructive apnea
Central and obstructive sleep apnea can occur together, sometimes called mixed or complex sleep apnea. ResMed notes most newer CPAP machines report central apneas.
Medical conditions and medicines
The AASM links central sleep apnea to heart failure, stroke, kidney problems and opioid medicines, and ResMed, quoting NHLBI, notes it is more common in people with certain medical conditions or who use certain medicines.
Pressure related factors
The Sleep Foundation notes treatment-emergent central apnea can be more likely at excessive pressures. Whether pressure is a factor for you is for your doctor to judge.

Fixes to try, easiest first

  1. Note the numbers and the trend

    Write down how many central or clear airway events per hour your machine shows over a week or two, along with your total AHI and leak. This helps your doctor.

  2. Rule out leak first

    Large leaks can confuse event detection. Make sure your mask seals well before reading too much into the event types.

  3. Avoid alcohol and sedatives near bedtime unless prescribed

    These can affect breathing during sleep. Ask your doctor about any medicines you take, especially opioids or sleep aids. Do not stop prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.

  4. Keep using your CPAP unless told otherwise

    Do not stop therapy on your own. Your obstructive apneas still need treatment while your doctor looks into the central events.

  5. Book a sleep doctor review with your clinician

    Your doctor can review your downloaded data and may adjust your settings, order a new sleep study, or consider a different type of device. Central events are a reason for a clinical visit, not a home fix.

When to call your doctor

Contact your sleep doctor if your machine shows frequent or increasing central or clear airway events, if your AHI stays high despite good mask seal, or if you feel sleepy or unwell. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath. Tell your doctor about heart conditions, stroke history and any opioid or sedative use, since these are linked with central sleep apnea.

Frequently asked questions

What is a clear airway event on my CPAP?

It is the machine's term for a pause in breathing when your airway appears open, which suggests a central apnea rather than a blockage. Machines estimate this from airflow. Your doctor can interpret your report.

Can CPAP cause central sleep apnea?

Some people develop central apneas after starting CPAP, called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. Studies report it in roughly 5% to 20% of patients, and it often fades with continued use. If it persists, your doctor can consider other options.

Should I stop CPAP if I have central apneas?

No, not without your doctor's advice. CPAP is still treating your obstructive apneas. Contact your sleep doctor to review the data instead.

Sources

Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error

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