What is a CPAP Breathing Machine?
The CPAP breathing machine was invented to help people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. “CPAP” stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The machine directs an even airflow through a nasal mask that seals around the nose to maintain the pressure level, which keeps the airways open. This allows the patient to sleep through the night without the multiple episodes of breathing restriction that characterize sleep apnea. Before a CPAP machine leaves the medical supplier’s store, it will be set to the pressure that was determined during the patient’s sleep study. Additional adjustments may be necessary over time, as the patient’s physical condition changes. When patients are able to tolerate sleeping with the CPAP mask, they usually experience fewer symptoms of sleep apnea, such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Sleeping partners also report that CPAP users snore less, so the partner also sleeps better. Other Types of Machines for Treating Sleep Apnea An APAP machine i
