A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine delivers constant, mild air pressure to keep airways open while you sleep
. It is a common treatment for sleep apnea, a condition that causes a person to briefly stop breathing while sleeping due to upper airway collapse or blockage
How a CPAP Machine Works
A CPAP machine uses a compressor (motor) to generate a continuous stream of pressurized air that passes through an air filter and into a flexible tube connected to a mask. The mask is sealed around the nose or mouth
. The steady stream of air from the CPAP machine pushes against blockages and opens the airways so the lungs receive enough oxygen, which allows you to breathe without waking up frequently
. A CPAP machine includes
:
- A motor housed in a base unit
- A cushioned mask
- A tube that connects the motor to the mask
- A headgear frame
- Elbow pieces that act as joints
- Adjustable straps
Some machines also have heated humidifiers and connectivity to allow data from during sleep to be viewed with a smartphone app
Types of CPAP Machines
- CPAP (continuous positive airflow pressure) machine This device produces pressurized air at one steady pressure level. To change the air pressure, you have to reset the device’s settings
- APAP (automatic positive airflow pressure) machine This kind checks your breathing throughout the night and automatically adjusts the air pressure to compensate for changes in your sleep position or medications that may have changed your breathing
- BiPAP (Bi-level positive airflow pressure) This device has two pressure settings, one pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling. It’s used for individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP machines or have elevated carbon dioxide levels in their blood
Benefits of Using a CPAP Machine
- Improves sleep quality without waking up
- Lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Reduces daytime sleepiness
- May reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels
