CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and it is a common treatment for people with sleep apnea. CPAP machines allow you to breathe naturally and comfortably by delivering a steady stream of pressurized air into your nose or mouth during sleep.
Overview
Sleep apnea is an increasingly common problem, with up to 24 million Americans affected. It can cause people to snore loudly and stop breathing while they’re asleep, both of which may disturb their partners’ sleep or keep them from getting enough shut-eye themselves. In addition, those who suffer from this condition are more likely to have heart disease as well as a variety of other health problems too numerous to mention here. cpap machines have been proven to help alleviate the symptoms, and more than 500,000 are being used in the US alone.
How CPAP Machines Work
When you sleep with a CPAP machine, the steady stream of air prevents your throat muscles from relaxing completely, which is what allows them to collapse during sleep and keep you from breathing properly. This helps you get a full night’s sleep without interruption while also reducing snoring and other symptoms. The CPAP machine is carried by a small compressor that sits on the floor or bedside table near your head (the tubing connects to a mask covering your nose). The lid of the machine opens during inhalation and closes during exhalation.
How CPAP Machines Are Used
People using CPAP machines should always use a new mask if they notice problems with the old one. The user should also check for leaks around the edges of the mask and make sure it’s fitted correctly. If it isn’t, take time to adjust it as needed so that you get a good seal with no gaps.
