A 42-year-old member asked:
What is a cpap machine used for? how does it work?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Owensanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 36 years experience
Sleep apnea: CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, and they are the most effective therapy for this condition. They work by applying pressure to the inhaled air you breathe while asleep, preventing your palate or throat from collapsing and thus obstructing airflow. When tolerated by patients, 95%+ success rates are observed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 47 years experience
Mechanism: CPAP is considered the most effective treatment of OSA. Its beneficial effects are related to the normalization of breathing during sleep and to the prevention of nocturnal desaturations. Upper airway patency is maintained with NCPAP by a pneumatic splinting effect while changes in lung volume and pre-apnea SaO2 level may be implicated in the improvement of apnea-related desaturations.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
858 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can non-distilled water be used for a cpap machine?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Jarvisanswered
Dentistry 39 years experience
Yes but not best: I would recommend distilled only. The machine will last much longer, and it will be healthier for you as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 21, 2016
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