Overview
![Person wearing nasal pillow that is attached to CPAP machine placed next to bed.](https://cdn.healthwise.net/common/images/m/acl9966_368x240.jpg)
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe more easily during sleep. A CPAP machine increases air pressure in the throat so your airway does not collapse when you breathe in. You use CPAP at home every night while you sleep.