constant positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a medical device used primarily to treat sleep apnea, a condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep. The CPAP machine gently delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. This continuous airflow keeps the airway open, preventing collapses that cause pauses in breathing. By maintaining an open airway, CPAP helps improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower health risks associated with sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure and heart problems.