The Particulars: Previous studies have found that patients who use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device often feel it makes them less sexually attractive and are therefore less likely to use the device. However, data are lacking on whether sexual quality of life actually differs between CPAP-compliant and noncompliant patients.
Data Breakdown: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea and on CPAP devices were surveyed regarding the physical and emotional aspects of lovemaking for a study. Roughly half of patients were CPAP-compliant, meaning they used CPAP more than 4 hours per night for 70% of days. After adjusting for all confounding variables, the researchers found that CPAP compliance did not predict sexual quality of life.
Take Home Pearl: CPAP use for sleep apnea does not appear to negatively impact sexual quality of life.
