CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
It involves wearing a mask on the face that is connected to a small machine. The machine acts as an “air pump”, delivering pressurised air through the mask, preventing upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep.
A large range of different masks are available. Broadly they are divided into:
- Full face masks which cover the nose and mouth
- Nasal masks which cover the nose only; and
- Nasal pillows which are soft prongs which sit in the openings of the nostrils
