Many sleep apnea patients are confused about how their CPAP machine works. They don’t know which parts of the device do what and how to wear it to get the most effective treatment for their snoring condition.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which delivers oxygen via air pressure into your airway, thereby keeping your throat open and free from obstruction in order to ensure that you receive enough oxygen when you breathe at night. A cpap machine is therefore not just a nosepiece; it includes the mask, tubing and air source.

Can a CPAP Machine Treat Snoring?

In most cases, yes it can. A CPAP machine helps you breathe in an unrestricted manner, which ensures that your airway is not blocked by the pillow or your soft tissue, which is the most common cause of snoring. The air pressure applies gentle pressure on the airway and prevents your soft tissue from collapsing and obstructing the airflow. It also functions as a continuous visual reminder to stay quiet when you are sleeping to prevent upper respiratory infection (URIs).

How and Where Do You Put Your CPAP Machine?

The nosepiece of a CPAP machine fits over your nose and mouth like any other nasal mask. The flexible mask is attached to tubing and an air source (either a battery-operated or a power cord). You can choose how to wear the device. The mask may be held in place by elastic bands and straps, or it can be attached straight to the tubing and an air source.

A CPAP machine has two pieces of equipment: the tubing and the mask/nosepiece. The tubing is used to connect the components of your CPAP machine with your nose. You must first use tubes that are made for your particular type of CPAP machine, as they are usually made with a soft material so that they will not interfere with your breathing during sleep.