How Does CPAP Masks Work?

Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Just how does a c-pap mask keep you from stop breathing and if you stop, how does it start you breathing again? It just seems like a steady flow of air. I have to wear one now and several times it has awaken me with a strong flow of air. Is that how it wakes you up if you stop breathing? or does the steady flow keep you from stopping?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks to coming to HealthcareMagic again for your health related questions.

CPAP is a method used in obstructive sleep apnea. In this type of apnea there is narrowing leading to obstruction of the airways. If narrowing closes the airway totally air can not flow, hence no breathing. Several possible factors like obesity, congenital defects of airways, formations like polyps, cysts obstructing airways.

CPAP is the acronym for continuous positive airway pressure, meaning it does basically what you felt it did, provide a steady flow of air. This maintains always a positive pressure in the airways. Since there is such a pressure on them it inhibits the airway walls to collapse, to interrupt breathing. So we hope there is no interruption of breathing at all (not to wake you up if you stop breathing as you seem to think).

I understand you have been woken by the flow of air. Of course that is not the aim to wake you up, it's just that it takes some time getting accustomed to it at times, but most patients get used to it and do not feel it afterwards.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar