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How CPAP Works

This page explains, in plain terms, what CPAP equipment does. It is general information only and not medical advice. Diagnosis and therapy settings are determined by your sleep physician or prescribing clinician.

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

A CPAP machine delivers a continuous, gentle stream of air through a tube and mask. The steady airflow is used to help keep the upper airway open during sleep. The specific pressure is set for each person by their clinician.

How the air gets to you

  • The machine draws in room air and passes it through a filter.
  • Many machines warm and humidify the air to make it more comfortable to breathe.
  • The air travels along the tube to your mask, which directs it to your airway.

Fixed pressure and auto-adjusting machines

Some machines deliver one set pressure (often called CPAP), while others adjust the pressure automatically across a prescribed range through the night (often called APAP or AutoSet). Which is suitable for you is a clinical decision. You can compare options in CPAP machines.

Why comfort features matter

Humidification, heated tubing, ramp features, and mask fit all affect how easy the equipment is to use night after night. Comfort is a large part of why people stay consistent with their setup.

Next steps

Speak with your clinician about what is right for your therapy. For product questions, call 1300 27 27 66.