Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea

Person wearing nasal pillow that is attached to CPAP machine placed next to bed.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily during sleep. A CPAP machine increases air pressure in the throat so your airway does not collapse when you breathe in. You use CPAP at home every night while you sleep.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
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