Getting used to CPAP

What Happens If You Stop Using CPAP?

CPAP treats sleep apnea only while you use it, so when you stop, the breathing pauses come back, often within days. In a randomized trial, people who stopped CPAP had their sleep apnea and sleepiness return within days and their blood pressure and heart rate rise within two weeks. If you want to stop because it is uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about fixes or other treatments first.

Signs

  • Snoring and gasping return
  • Daytime sleepiness comes back
  • Morning headaches
  • Poor concentration and mood

Common causes

CPAP is a treatment, not a cure
It keeps your airway open only while you wear it. ResMed notes there is no cure for sleep apnea, and weight loss alone has not been proven to cure it.
Rapid return of apnea
A 2011 randomized trial from Zurich found that withdrawing CPAP led to a rapid return of sleep apnea and sleepiness within a few days, with rises in blood pressure and heart rate after two weeks.
Even one night matters
The AASM says just one night without treatment can have a negative impact on your blood pressure.

Fixes to try, easiest first

  1. Do not stop without talking to your doctor

    If you are thinking of stopping, tell your doctor why. Most reasons have solutions.

  2. Fix the problem behind it

    Leaks, dry mouth, claustrophobia, noise and pressure discomfort can usually be improved with mask changes or comfort settings.

  3. Bring CPAP when traveling

    Skipping CPAP on trips leaves those nights untreated. ResMed and NHLBI both recommend taking it with you.

  4. Use it for naps

    Use CPAP for all sleep, including naps.

  5. Ask about alternatives if CPAP truly fails with your clinician

    Your doctor can discuss other options such as oral appliances, other PAP devices, nerve stimulation surgery or medicine for some people. NHLBI lists these options.

  6. Ask before stopping after weight loss with your clinician

    Losing weight may reduce sleep apnea for some people, but ResMed advises not stopping CPAP without talking to your doctor. A new sleep test may be needed.

When to call your doctor

Talk to your doctor before stopping CPAP for any reason. Get prompt care if you notice severe daytime sleepiness, especially while driving, or new chest pain, irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath.

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip CPAP for one night?

It is better not to. The AASM notes that even one night without treatment can affect your blood pressure. If you must, get back on it the next night.

How fast does sleep apnea come back after stopping CPAP?

In a randomized trial, sleep apnea and sleepiness returned within a few days after stopping. Blood pressure and heart rate rose within two weeks.

Can I stop CPAP if I lost weight?

Talk to your doctor first. Weight loss can reduce sleep apnea for some people, but it is not proven to cure it, and a new test may be needed to decide.

Sources

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

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