Ventilation Machines

More moderate cases of sleep apnea often require additional interventions beyond simple lifestyle changes. The two primary such treatments are different forms of ventilation devices, which promote opened airways during sleep.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
- This ventilator provides a consistent stream of pressure via a mask that you wear over your nose during sleep. The air pressure pushes your air passages open to prevent the tissue obstruction that results for sleep apnea sufferers. This device also inhibits snoring, and is the most common sleep apnea treatment method. Because each person is different, it may take some time to find a CPAP machine that you are comfortable with or additional modifications to the machine’s pressure levels or other settings may be needed. However, CPAP machines can provide life-changing benefits that can diminish the threats posed by sleep apnea.

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines
- Another sleep apnea treatment device is the bilevel positive airway pressure machine, which delivers automatic and adjustable air pressure during sleep. Unlike the CPAP machine, the BiPAP ventilator pushes more air through when you are inhaling, while reducing the airflow at times of exhaling, creating a more regulated level of nighttime breathing. This can benefit patients who did not respond fully to CPAP treatment or who have preexisting lung or heart conditions.