CPAP

CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, treats a collapsing throat by holding it open with air. A quiet bedside blower pushes a steady stream of room air through a tube to a mask over the nose, or nose and mouth, keeping the airway pressurized slightly above the outside. Think of it as an invisible air splint that props the floppy throat open all night so it cannot cave in.

Mechanically, the constant positive pressure raises the pressure inside the pharynx above the surrounding tissue pressure, so the walls no longer collapse when you inhale. Crucially, the pressure is the same during inhaling and exhaling — that is the continuous in CPAP — which suffices when the only problem is obstruction. The required pressure is found by titration during a sleep study or by an auto-adjusting machine that raises and lowers pressure as needed.

CPAP is the first-line and most effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Used consistently, it abolishes apneas and snoring, restores oxygen, consolidates sleep, and relieves daytime sleepiness; over time it can lower blood pressure and reduce some cardiovascular and accident risks. Modern machines log usage so adherence can be tracked and pressure fine-tuned.

The catch is tolerance: a mask and airflow take getting used to, and side effects include nasal dryness, congestion, skin marks, air leak, and bloating. Comfort features such as humidification, ramped pressure, and a good mask fit greatly improve uptake. CPAP only works while worn, so consistent nightly use is what delivers the benefit; for those who cannot tolerate it, oral appliances or other options are alternatives.