What is a CPAP Machine and How Does CPAP Work?

For millions of adults who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is considered the gold-standard method of treatment. But if you’re new to using a CPAP machine, you’re probably wondering what it is and how it works.

What Is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is a device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders with continuous positive airway pressure. There are many different CPAP machine models, and your doctor can help you determine which one is right for you. In most cases, a Buy CPAP machine will include the following components:

  • A nasal or full-face CPAP mask
  • A CPAP hose typically measuring about 6-feet in length

Certain CPAP machine models provide the option of a heated humidifier that adds moisture to the air as it travels from the hose to the mask for a more comfortable experience.

How Does CPAP Work?

To understand how a CPAP machine works, you should know how obstructive sleep apnea works.

A diagram showing what causes sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles and tongue collapse into the airways during sleep, blocking airflow. This airway blockage sends a message to the brain that the body needs to breathe, awakening it from sleep to take a loud, gasping breath. Individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea experience 5-15 of these episodes per hour of sleep, while individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea experience more than 30.

A CPAP machine works by continuously blowing gentle, pressurized air through the airway. The increased air pressure prevents the airway from collapsing when you breathe.

CPAP Machine Effectiveness

When used as directed, CPAP therapy can immediately improve the quality of life for individuals who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. You’ll likely notice less snoring, fewer breathing obstructions and a decrease in daytime sleepiness—among other health benefits. Research has shown that using a CPAP machine can reduce the risk of health problems linked with obstructive sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, depression and cardiovascular issues.

Using a CPAP machine is an adjustment, but committing yourself to this popular treatment method will make you feel better and healthier.Man placing CPAP mask in SoClean 2.

To get the most out of your CPAP machine, it’s important to clean it regularly to keep your equipment pathogen and mold free. The SoClean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer uses activated oxygen to destroy 99.9% of CPAP germs in your mask, hose and humidifier. Click here to learn more about the SoClean and try it risk-free!