Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy treats obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. This therapy involves a machine that delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep the patient’s airway open, preventing harmful breathing interruptions. Since CPAP is a prescribed medical device requiring specific pressure settings tailored to the individual’s physiology, a qualified medical professional’s guidance is mandatory for both diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Understanding which doctors are trained to manage this complex respiratory condition is the first step toward effective therapy.
The Primary Sleep Medicine Specialist
The medical professional most comprehensively trained to diagnose and manage sleep disorders, including CPAP therapy, is a Sleep Medicine Specialist. These certified experts complete a full medical residency followed by an additional one-year fellowship specifically in sleep medicine. Certification involves passing rigorous examinations administered by a recognized body, such as the American Board of Sleep Medicine. This specialized training provides a deep understanding of the full spectrum of sleep disorders.
Sleep Medicine Specialists come from multidisciplinary backgrounds, including Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, or Otolaryngology. This broad foundation allows them to approach sleep problems from various physiological perspectives. They interpret complex diagnostic tests like polysomnography, the overnight sleep study, to determine the nature and severity of the patient’s breathing issues. While they manage the initial prescription, their expertise is valuable for patients with complex cases, co-occurring medical conditions, or those who struggle with CPAP adherence.
Other Medical Professionals Who Prescribe CPAP
While the Sleep Medicine Specialist is the dedicated expert, several other physicians commonly prescribe and manage CPAP, depending on their primary specialty and the patient’s specific health profile.
Pulmonologists
Pulmonologists specialize in diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. They frequently manage sleep-related breathing disorders, given their knowledge of airflow dynamics and gas exchange. They handle cases where sleep apnea is complicated by other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Neurologists and Otolaryngologists
Neurologists focus on the nervous system and play a role in diagnosing and treating central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to send correct signals to the breathing muscles. Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) focus on the upper airway anatomy. They evaluate structural issues like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum that contribute to obstruction, and may prescribe CPAP or recommend surgical interventions.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for many patients, often conducting the first screening for symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring. They can prescribe CPAP for uncomplicated cases, but they usually refer patients with moderate to severe symptoms to a sleep specialist for comprehensive evaluation.
Navigating the Diagnosis and Treatment Process
The journey to effective CPAP therapy begins with a consultation with a PCP, who performs an initial assessment and may order a home sleep apnea test or refer the patient for an in-lab polysomnogram. This overnight study measures breathing interruptions, oxygen desaturation events, and sleep architecture, determining the diagnosis and severity. The physician uses these diagnostic results to write the CPAP prescription, dictating the device type and the precise airflow pressure settings required to keep the airway open.
Once the device is obtained, the patient enters a phase of ongoing management involving regular follow-up appointments with the prescribing physician or a sleep clinic team. These appointments focus on monitoring therapy effectiveness by reviewing data downloaded from the CPAP machine, which tracks usage hours and residual events. The doctor troubleshoots common adherence issues, such as mask discomfort, skin irritation, or dryness, often solved with equipment adjustments or changes to pressure settings. This continuous monitoring and adjustment ensures the CPAP provides the intended therapeutic benefit and maintains long-term patient compliance.