What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a treatment for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. CPAP therapy uses a machine to deliver a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask that you wear over your nose and/or mouth. The pressurized air helps to keep your airways open, so you can breathe more easily and sleep more soundly.

How does CPAP therapy work?

When you sleep, your muscles relax, including the muscles in your throat. This can cause your airway to narrow or collapse, which can block your breathing. CPAP therapy delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask that you wear over your nose and/or mouth. The pressurized air helps to keep your airway open, so you can breathe more easily and sleep more soundly.

Benefits of CPAP therapy

CPAP therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating sleep apnea. It can improve your sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and improve your overall health. CPAP therapy can also help to reduce your risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How to get started with CPAP therapy

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will recommend that you start CPAP therapy. You will need to see a sleep specialist to get fitted for a CPAP machine and mask. The sleep specialist will help you to adjust the settings on your CPAP machine so that it is comfortable and effective for you.

Tips for getting used to CPAP therapy

It may take some time to get used to CPAP therapy. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start by using your CPAP machine for short periods of time each night, and gradually increase the amount of time you use it.
• Try different masks and settings until you find one that is comfortable for you.
• Don't give up if you have trouble getting used to CPAP therapy at first. It may take some time to adjust, but it is worth it for the benefits that CPAP therapy can offer.

If you have any questions or concerns about CPAP therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor or sleep specialist.