What is a CPAP machine used for in sleep medicine?

A CPAP machine, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when a person’s airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. The CPAP machine works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask that keeps the airway open, enabling the patient to breathe consistently throughout the night.

This treatment is crucial because it helps prevent the health complications associated with unmanaged sleep apnea, such as cardiovascular issues, daytime fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. By maintaining an open airway, the CPAP allows for a more restful sleep and significantly reduces the severity of sleep apnea episodes.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of sleep medicine but do not align with the specific function of a CPAP machine. Providing oxygen therapy is a separate medical intervention for respiratory distress, improving sleep hygiene pertains to behavioral modifications aimed at enhancing sleep quality rather than a mechanical solution, and monitoring sleep patterns is a diagnostic tool used to understand sleep disorders but does not treat them.