CPAP / CEPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This handy device provides continuous air pressure that keeps an airway open. It is mostly used for people with different breathing problems such as obstructive sleeping apnea, but it can also be very helpful for people having problems with snoring.

Snoring and loud snoring occur when an airway is narrowed, thanks to relaxed tissue, and breathing causes tissue vibrations. This machine pumps air continuously into the lungs, keeping the airways open. This process eliminates snoring completely in most cases.

Obstructive sleeping apnea is the most common type of apnea. It actually means 'cessation of breath'. The term is used for repeated blockages of the upper airway during sleep, complete or partial. It causes breathing difficulties, and it becomes nearly impossible to pull some air into the lungs.

Repeated episodes of Obstructive Sleeping Apnea, or OSA, can cause irregular heart rhythm and reduce the oxygen flow, as well as cause some other health problems. The machine doesn't breathe for you, it just help you breathing by yourself, creating optimal breathing conditions that will keep your airways open. It is successfully used for treating moderate to severe OSA.

OSA symptoms include daytime sleepiness, night sweats, morning headache, depression, forgetfulness and snoring. In the morning, patients often have sore throat and dry mouths. Sometimes even sexual dysfunction may be caused by apnea. Most people cannot recognize their own symptoms, but their sleeping partners could easily notice most of them.

This method is highly efficient in treating OSA. Mild but continuous air flow prevents blockages and keeps the passages open. Patients with other heart issues beside their sleeping problems can also benefit from using this device. Their blood pressure will be significantly lower. There are some cases that still need to be surgically solved.

CPAP may have a mask that covers only your nose, or both nose and mouth, or a set of prongs to fit in your nose. Nasal CPAP is mostly used. Different side-effects may include eyes irritation, nightmares, ear infections and allergies, sore throat, dry nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. You can use a humidifier or a nasal spray to ease these symptoms.

CPAP / CEPAP won't breathe instead of you and it cannot cure your health condition. Even so, it will bring you a relief and improve your life. The first few days of using this device might not be easy, but once you get used to it, you will finally be able to sleep peacefully. Daytime sleepiness will be significantly reduced, and the quality of your life visibly improved.