What is a CPAP Machine?

What is a CPAP Machine?

It’s important to know the basics of the different types of PAP (positive airway pressure) devices that are used to treat sleep apnea. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with sleep apnea or a more seasoned user or healthcare provider.
What is a CPAP machine?

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, delivers pressurized ambient air (regular room air) through a delivery system (tubing and mask), thus eliminating apnea events during sleep. CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea and can potentially improve the patient’s sleep overnight; dramatically improving the quality of life for individuals afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea (learn about sleep apnea).

What you need to know: CPAP is the most common PAP device. If you had a sleep study and a titration in a sleep center, this is probably the type of PAP machine you will be recommended. Many sleep specialists agree that fixed pressure is best for treating obstructive sleep apnea and it’s the most affordable device.
Benefits:

(1) Having a device that can adjust its own pressure means that many patients can skip the sleep center altogether. These patients can use a home sleep apnea test and then an APAP. No overnight at the sleep lab.

(2) APAP can be used immediately following a home sleep test for four to 6 weeks with a wide pressure range. Your healthcare provider can then assess the usage data to determine an optimal fixed pressure setting on a CPAP device.