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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily during sleep. A CPAP machine increases air pressure in the throat so your airway does not collapse when you breathe in. You use CPAP at home every night while you sleep.

Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD
- Sleep Disorders
Last Updated July 13, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 13, 2007
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