A burgeoning online community, self-dubbed 'CPAP Baddies,' is actively working to dismantle the stigma associated with sleep apnea devices. This movement, gaining significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, reframes the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines not as a source of embarrassment, but as a tool for self-care and a symbol of empowerment.
At its core, the 'CPAP Baddie' ethos encourages individuals to embrace their treatment and challenge stereotypes surrounding sleep apnea. "At the core, being a CPAP baddie means taking something that’s widely misunderstood and refusing to be embarrassed by it," said Amber Ana, a CPAP user. "We’re a community of people who are embracing it, being cute while we do it, and not caring about other people’s opinions or stigma."
Kayla Fawcett, 32, from Wisconsin, inadvertently became a focal point of the trend when she posted a video demonstrating how she used her CPAP tubing to curl her hair overnight. The video went viral, amassing over a million views and inspiring numerous comments from others who found the hack useful and felt encouraged to use their CPAP machines again.
"So many women were commenting that this changed their lives," Fawcett told The Post. "Others stated that they were encouraged to try using their CPAP again after quitting because, let’s face it, they suck to wear."
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects an estimated 80 million Americans. The condition involves the upper airway partially or completely closing during sleep, leading to repeated breathing interruptions. Untreated OSA can result in significant daytime fatigue, concentration difficulties, memory problems, headaches, mood disturbances, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline.
CPAP machines are considered the most effective treatment for OSA. They work by delivering a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. However, many individuals struggle with consistent use due to discomfort, claustrophobia, or side effects like skin irritation and dry mouth. The fear of appearing unattractive or awkward also contributes to stigma, preventing some from adhering to treatment.
Rogue Schmidt, 31, who treats severe sleep apnea, stated, "CPAP users are more than weird old uncles that snore loudly. We’re young, we’re sexy and not afraid to say it with our masks on — and that’s baddie behavior." Schmidt added, "Say what you want about an algorithm or TikTok trend but I think if I had seen more people my age talk about sleep disorders, I would have gotten treatment a lot sooner."
The movement also aims to challenge the perception of who is affected by sleep apnea. Women, younger adults, individuals with lower BMIs, and those with limited healthcare access are often overlooked because they don't fit the traditional, often male-centric, patient profile. Mabel, a 30-year-old nurse, shared that it was her boyfriend noticing her stop breathing during sleep that prompted her to seek treatment.
"It has been fun to embrace something I used to be ashamed of. And honestly, I’m more focused, I’m happier, I’m more relaxed, and my health markers are better," Mabel said. "I hope the CPAP Baddie trend encourages people to pay attention to the signs their body gives them and prioritize their health."
ResMed, a respiratory device manufacturer, is supporting the 'CPAP Baddies' initiative to shift the conversation around CPAP therapy. John Barger, ResMed’s senior director of brands and a founding member of the 'CPAP Baddies,' noted that their content has reached over 16.2 million accounts across Instagram and TikTok in the past 90 days. ResMed has also begun hosting in-person events for users.
"Movies and TV have always made these things look dorky, and meanwhile, they are literally keeping people alive," said Ashley Noll, 35, who also went viral after adopting Fawcett's hair-curling hack. "It has been fun to embrace something I used to be ashamed of. And honestly, I’m more focused, I’m happier, I’m more relaxed, and my health markers are better. It’s part of my daily life now and I’m not hiding it."
Adam Shenk, 43, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, views his participation as a way to advocate for health. "For me, being a 'CPAP baddie' is about really doing what I can to care for my health and not being ashamed of the tools and treatments that can help me be the best version of myself," Shenk said. "If someone has been on the fence about getting evaluated for sleep apnea or using CPAP, I hope seeing people talk openly and even have fun with it can make that conversation feel a little less intimidating."