CPAP compliance refers to how consistently a person with sleep apnea uses continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as prescribed, typically measured by hours of nightly use and percentage of nights used. Good compliance reduces apnea events, improves daytime alertness, and lowers associated cardiovascular risks. Sleep clinics often download usage data from CPAP machines to document adherence. For life insurance underwriting, strong CPAP compliance can significantly improve risk assessment for obstructive sleep apnea diagnoses compared with untreated or poorly treated cases.

Underwriters review CPAP compliance reports from sleep specialists when applicants disclose sleep apnea. They look for regular nightly use, reduced apnea-hypopnea indexes, and documented symptom improvement. Applicants with good compliance and no major comorbidities may qualify for standard or even preferred classes, while noncompliant cases often receive ratings. Advisors encourage clients to maintain treatment and request machine compliance printouts before applying. Understanding CPAP compliance helps advisors reframe sleep apnea from an automatic penalty into a manageable condition when treatment is documented and effective.