What Is a CPAP Machine and Who Needs It?

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a medical device engineered to provide a constant stream of pressurized air to an individual's upper airway during sleep. Its primary function is to serve as a "pneumatic splint," preventing the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing and obstructing breathing. This technology is the gold standard for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing.