Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a respiratory therapy using a machine that produces mild air pressure to keep the airways open and oxygen flowing when the patient inhales. The CPAP machine blows air into a tube connected to a mask that fits over the patient’s nose or nose and mouth. The breathing mask is held comfortably in place with straps. A CPAP is typically used by people who have breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.

CPAP has also been known to be used to treat preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or infants whose lungs have not fully developed.

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