If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, your doctor may prescribe CPAP/BiPAP therapy for nightly use. But what is this, and how does it work?
CPAP/BiPAP prevents the collapse of tissue in the back of your throat, using a constant, steady stream of air that is pushed through a mask that is worn while you sleep.
The constant pressure from the CPAP machine forces your air passages to stay open, allowing you to breathe, and avoiding the apneas that cause the lack of quality sleep.
CPAP is an acronym for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” and requires that you wear a specialized mask during sleep.
These masks cover the mouth and/or nose, and attach to an air blower that forces air into your upper airway. This constant, continuous air pressure can be regulated (based upon your doctor’s order), and prevents the tissue in the back of your throat from collapsing while you are sleeping.
Please remember that CPAP is not a cure-all, you must continue to use the device as prescribed, and follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid apnea episodes.