Purpose
Continuous positive airway pressure machines are the preferred treatment for sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea don't get enough air in the lungs during sleep because they have pauses in breathing or breathe too shallowly when sleeping. CPAP machines usually are prescribed for adults. Surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids is the preferred option for children, but CPAP machines are a secondary option.
Prescription
Your doctor or sleep specialist can prescribe a CPAP machine following a sleep study that determines you need one. The study measures how well you sleep, as well as how much you sleep. It also indicates how severe any sleep problems are.
Use
The doctor or sleep specialist corrects the CPAP's settings for you. You either wear a face or nasal mask while asleep, depending on the machine prescribed. Your mask is connected to a pump. This provides positive air flow into nasal passages to keep your airway open.
Benefits
The CPAP machine's benefits are myriad. It can correct snoring, improve sleep quality, eliminate daytime sleepiness due to sleep apnea and decrease or prevent high blood pressure, according to National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Possible Discomfort
CPAP masks can be uncomfortable for some people. You may need additional assistance to find a mask that fits properly. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends you stick with it and overcome your discomfort, as people who use the CPAP report feeling better and more attentive during the day.
Side Effects
There can be some side effects with a CPAP machine. They are usually temporary and mild. Issues include sore eyes, nasal congestion, headaches and abdominal bloating. Most users adjust to their CPAP within 2 to 12 weeks, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Duration
CPAP is not a short-term treatment. It must be used every time you sleep, including naps. For best results, use your CPAP machine for 7.5 hours nightly.
