What is the primary goal of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy?

The primary goal of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is to maintain an open airway during sleep. CPAP functions by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask to individuals with sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause the airway to become blocked during sleep. By keeping the airway open, CPAP prevents apneas and hypopneas, thereby reducing interruptions in breathing, improving overall sleep quality, and decreasing the risk of associated health complications such as cardiovascular issues and daytime fatigue.

While enhancing deep sleep stages and increasing sleep duration may be beneficial outcomes of effective CPAP therapy, they are not the primary objective of the treatment itself. Similarly, treating insomnia symptoms is outside the scope of what CPAP targets, as it is specifically designed to address sleep apnea rather than general sleep disorders.