What is a common challenge faced by patients using CPAP therapy?

Patients utilizing CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy often experience difficulty in adjusting to the pressure delivered by the device. This challenge can manifest as discomfort during initial use, as the forced airflow may feel unnatural or intrusive, particularly for those who are not accustomed to the sensation of positive airway pressure. Over time, many patients learn to acclimate to this pressure, but the adjustment phase can be significant, leading to non-compliance for some.

The correct answer emphasizes that the initial pressure settings, which are calibrated to keep the airway open during sleep, can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, impacting the patient's ability to adapt to therapy. Supporting a patient's adjustment may involve gradually increasing pressure settings and providing education on usage, which helps alleviate some of this initial discomfort.