What Is Air Pressure Therapy for Sleep & Who Really Needs It?

Air pressure therapy is a way to help people breathe better while they sleep. It uses a machine that gently pushes air into your nose or mouth through a mask. This keeps your airways open. If your breathing often stops or becomes shallow during sleep, this kind of therapy can help.

The most common types of air pressure therapy are CPAP and BiPAP. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It gives one steady flow of air. BiPAP means Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. It gives more air when you breathe in and less when you breathe out.

This therapy is used for people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where your b
reathing stops for short periods while you sleep. Some people stop breathing many times during the night. This makes you tired during the day because your sleep keeps getting interrupted. It can also raise your risk for high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.

People with loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or always feeling tired—even after a full night's rest—should get checked. A sleep study can show if you have sleep apnea. If you do, your doctor might suggest air pressure therapy.

Not everyone needs this therapy. But if you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, it can help a lot. It keeps your airway from collapsing during sleep. This means better breathing, better sleep, and better health.

Some people feel strange using a mask at first. It may take a few days or weeks to get used to it. But many people say they sleep better after they start using it. The key is to find a mask and pressure setting that works for you.

Air pressure therapy can also help people with certain lung or breathing conditions. If you have COPD, heart failure, or obesity hypoventilation syndrome, your doctor might recommend it. In some cases, it can even help during hospital stays or recovery from surgery.

There are different machines and mask types. Some machines adjust air pressure automatically. Others stay at one level. Some masks cover your nose, while others cover both nose and mouth. Your doctor will help you choose what’s right for you.

This therapy is not a cure. You still need to manage your weight, avoid alcohol before bed, and sleep on your side if possible. But it’s one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea.

If you’ve been told you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or always feel tired, it’s worth getting tested. Air pressure therapy may help you sleep better and feel more awake during the day. It’s not always easy at first, but for many people, it works.

And if you’ve already been prescribed a CPAP or BiPAP, don’t give up too soon. Try different mask styles if needed. Talk to your doctor if something feels wrong. Good sleep matters. And this therapy can make a real difference.