Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, for many, the mask and machine can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and even lead to claustrophobia. This frustration, known as CPAP intolerance, can cause people to abandon treatment altogether, putting their health at risk.

But there's hope on the horizon! Recent research suggests a potential game-changer for those who struggle with CPAP: Terzepatide.

The Discomfort of CPAP Intolerance

While CPAP is highly effective, common reasons for intolerance include:

• Mask Discomfort: The mask can feel bulky, leak air, or irritate the skin.


• Claustrophobia: The sensation of being trapped by the mask can be overwhelming.


• Noise: The machine's hum can disrupt sleep for both the user and their partner.


• Dryness: CPAP can dry out the nose and throat, causing irritation.

These issues can lead to poor compliance, negating the therapy's benefits. Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Promising New Research on Terzepatide

A recent study called SURMOUNT-OSA, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), explored Terzepatide, a medication originally developed for type 2 diabetes, as a potential treatment for OSA. The results were exciting. Terzepatide showed significant improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a key measure of sleep apnea severity.

What SURMOUNT-OSA Tells Us

This large-scale study provides valuable insights:

• Dual Benefit: Terzepatide not only improved sleep apnea but also led to weight loss and reduced blood pressure, addressing both core issues in OSA patients – obstructed breathing and obesity.


• Potential for CPAP Alternatives: The study included participants who couldn't tolerate CPAP, suggesting Terzepatide could be a viable alternative for some individuals.


• Improved Compliance: A medication might be easier for some to adhere to than nightly CPAP use, potentially leading to better overall treatment outcomes.

Important to Remember

• Terzepatide is still under investigation for OSA treatment and has not yet been approved for this use.


• CPAP remains the gold standard for OSA therapy, and it works very well for many people.


• If you have OSA and are struggling with CPAP, talk to your doctor about alternative solutions or mask adjustments that might improve comfort.

Living with OSA doesn't have to mean struggling with CPAP. Talk to your doctor about all your treatment options, including the potential of Terzepatide in the future!