This paper describes Māori, Pacific and New Zealand European experiences of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Patients identifying as Māori (n=5), Pacific (n=5), or NZ European (n=8) ethnicity referred for CPAP treatment for OSA attended separate, 1.5-hour group discussions facilitated by a health care worker of the same ethnic group. Patients in all three groups reported that they had little knowledge of OSA or CPAP prior to treatment initiation. All participants identified barriers to treatment (both at the CPAP initiation phase and long-term), reported feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’ with information during the initial CPAP education session, and discussed the importance of successful role models.
