Nearly 4 in 10 Adults Are at Risk for Sleep Apnea

A 2025 National Sleep Foundation report found that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults have an elevated risk for sleep apnea, approximately 29 million undiagnosed adults suspect they have it, and over 10 million people who are diagnosed are not currently receiving treatment. Awareness and access remain the biggest barriers to care.

Most people know sleep apnea exists. Far fewer realize they might have it  -  or understand what's at stake if it goes untreated.

In March 2025, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) released a nationally representative report on how Americans understand, perceive, and respond to sleep apnea. The findings reveal a significant gap between the scale of the problem and public awareness of it  -  one that is putting millions of people's long-term health at risk.

The Risk Is More Common Than Most People Think

Using a validated screening tool, the NSF found that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults have an elevated risk for sleep apnea. That's a staggering number  -  yet only about half of those at elevated risk have ever been tested for the condition.

Among adults who have never been tested or diagnosed, roughly 29 million suspect they might have sleep apnea but have never confirmed it. Meanwhile, of those who have been diagnosed, approximately 31%  -  more than 10.5 million people  -  are not currently receiving treatment.

Three separate failure points. Each one with real health consequences.

The Symptom Recognition Problem

Between 30% and 50% of adults fail to identify common symptoms of sleep apnea when presented with them. Nearly 1 in 5 adults could not identify a single symptom of the condition.

The most recognized symptoms  -  loud snoring, waking unrefreshed, and excessive daytime sleepiness  -  were only correctly identified by around 70% of adults. Morning headaches, dry mouth, and daytime irritability fared even worse, with fewer than 57% of people recognizing them as potential signs of OSA.

This matters because people who don't recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea are unlikely to seek testing. And people who aren't tested remain undiagnosed  -  and untreated.

People Want to Get Better, But Barriers Remain

The NSF report found that nearly 90% of adults consider sleep apnea either very serious or moderately serious, and a similar proportion believe it's important to treat if diagnosed. Most people say they would want to support a friend or family member going through sleep apnea treatment.

But awareness and intention don't always translate to action. Over 4 in 10 adults said they were unlikely to try CPAP  -  the most commonly prescribed and most clinically proven treatment for OSA  -  despite it being a non-invasive, drug-free therapy.

The reluctance often comes down to perceived discomfort. And perceived discomfort, in many cases, comes down to a poorly designed setup.

Why Setup Makes CPAP Feel Harder Than It Is

For many new CPAP users, the machine ends up on a cluttered nightstand at the wrong height, with a hose that pulls at the mask throughout the night, cords tangled on the floor, and no organized system for the nightly routine. That experience  -  uncomfortable, inconvenient, and noisy  -  is what shapes a person's opinion of CPAP therapy in the first few weeks.

But none of those problems are problems with CPAP itself. They're problems with setup.

My CPAP Caddy is a dedicated CPAP stand and holder built to solve exactly that. It positions your machine at the optimal height for airflow and condensation management, organizes cords and hose to reduce mask tension and noise, and keeps everything easy to access for the daily cleaning routine that keeps your machine working at its best.

The result is a CPAP experience that’s quieter, more comfortable, and easier to maintain  -  which is exactly what helps people build a consistent routine and feel the benefits of therapy sooner.

Get Tested, Get Treatment, Simplify Your Setup

Sleep apnea is common, underdiagnosed, and undertreated  -  not because treatment doesn't work, but because awareness is low and the path to consistent therapy is full of friction.

If you’re at risk, getting tested is a worthwhile first step. If you’ve been diagnosed, treatment options are more accessible than many people expect. And if you’re already on CPAP therapy and finding it hard to stay comfortable or consistent, it’s worth taking a close look at your setup  -  the problem may be more solvable than it seems.

My CPAP Caddy is designed to make CPAP therapy as easy and effective as possible  -  so the 59% of adults who are willing to try it actually stick with it long enough to feel the difference.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider regarding your sleep apnea diagnosis, treatment options, or any questions about your CPAP or BiPAP therapy.