what is cpap therapy

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is a treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing is interrupted during the sleep cycle, leading to a lack of oxygen and a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health concerns. A CPAP machine delivers continuous pressurized air through tubing into a mask that you wear while you sleep, keeping your airways open and improving your overall sleep quality. The machine has a fan that draws air into the device, which it then filters and pressurizes before delivering it through a tube and into your mask. CPAP machines are used to treat both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is blocked by your tongue or airway tissue, while central sleep apnea occurs when breathing slows or stops due to a lapse in the signals from the brain that regulate breathing. CPAP therapy may also be prescribed to treat other breathing problems. While CPAP devices can have a positive impact on people’s lives, they can be tricky to operate and uncomfortable if set up incorrectly. It is important to use them correctly so that the device works effectively.