INTRODUCTION
If you have ever wondered what a CPAP machine does, you are not alone. Many people want clear, simple answers about sleep therapy and how to use it successfully. At MacPherson’s Medical Supply, we make the process easy with local support, trusted equipment, and professional guidance from licensed respiratory therapists. We are proud to help you sleep better and breathe easier. To explore how we assist with CPAP machines, oxygen services, and other essential medical supplies, visit our full range of services.
The Problem CPAP Solves: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Explained
Airway Collapse And Oxygen Drops
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the soft tissues of the upper airway relax and collapse during sleep. Airflow becomes blocked, oxygen levels drop, and your brain wakes you repeatedly to restart breathing. These brief awakenings interrupt deep sleep and place stress on the heart and brain. Over time, this disruption can lead to fatigue and increase health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. You can learn more about OSA from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Symptoms And Health Risks
We often hear the same story: loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. Some patients notice irritability or brain fog. Bed partners often spot the pauses in breathing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the risks of untreated sleep apnea and why timely treatment matters.
How CPAP Works
A CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, gently delivers a steady stream of air to keep your airway open while you sleep. It works like a soft air cushion that prevents the throat from collapsing. When the airway stays open, you breathe freely, sleep more deeply, and maintain healthier oxygen levels through the night.
This therapy is considered the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. You can learn more about how CPAP therapy works from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
The air flows from the machine through flexible tubing into a mask that fits over your nose or both your nose and mouth. Heated humidifiers add moisture for comfort, and filters keep the air clean and free of dust or allergens.
CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP
CPAP provides a constant, steady pressure all night.
APAP adjusts pressure automatically as your breathing changes.
BiPAP delivers higher pressure when you inhale and lower pressure when you exhale.
Our licensed respiratory therapist will help you and your physician decide which system is best for your comfort and prescription.
Core Components Of A CPAP System
The CPAP machine sits quietly on your nightstand. It produces positive pressure and includes comfort settings such as ramp features and humidification. Modern units are small, quiet, and designed for travel.
Masks come in several forms, including nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full-face masks. The right fit is important for comfort and performance. Our Harlingen team will help you select and fit your mask so that you start your therapy comfortably.
Tubing carries the airflow from the device to your mask. Heated tubing prevents condensation. The humidifier adds moisture to prevent dryness, and filters protect both the machine and your lungs. We keep replacement parts in stock right here in South Texas, so you never have to wait for essential supplies.
Key Features That Improve Comfort
Your pressure settings are determined based on your sleep study. The ramp feature starts low and gradually increases to your prescribed level, allowing you to fall asleep comfortably. Humidification prevents dry mouth and nasal irritation, and heated tubing reduces water buildup.
Exhalation relief makes breathing feel more natural, while a proper mask fit prevents air leaks. Most modern devices record usage hours, leak rates, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). MedlinePlus offers a simple explanation of these sleep apnea terms and their importance.
Benefits You Can Expect
When used consistently, CPAP therapy helps you sleep more deeply and wake up refreshed. Many people notice improved focus, less daytime fatigue, and better mood after only a few nights of proper use.
Consistent therapy also helps lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, and maintain healthy oxygen levels during sleep. Most patients and their families notice that snoring decreases, which allows everyone to rest better.
Common Issues And Practical Fixes
If your mask feels dry or uncomfortable, adjust the humidifier settings or try heated tubing. Red marks or pressure points often mean a small fit adjustment is needed. Feeling claustrophobic at first is normal. Try wearing your mask for short periods while awake to become more comfortable. Our respiratory therapist can provide tips for building confidence and comfort.
Cleaning is an important part of therapy. Wash the mask cushion daily with mild soap, rinse tubing weekly, and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine both emphasize the importance of regular cleaning.
Most CPAP systems are approved for air travel. Before flying, review the Transportation Security Administration guidelines on medical devices to make screening easier.
Conclusion
So, what does a CPAP machine do? It helps keep your airway open through steady air pressure, restores healthy oxygen levels, and lets you enjoy deeper, safer, and more restorative sleep.
At MacPherson’s Medical Supply, we are proud to be a family-owned company serving the Rio Grande Valley for more than 80 years. We offer trusted local support for CPAP machines, oxygen services, mobility equipment, and other medical supplies. A licensed respiratory therapist is available to help with fittings, mask trials, and education.
Learn more about our story at MacPherson’s Medical Supply, explore durable medical equipment and more, or visit our local store to see what is in stock. If you are ready to improve your sleep and comfort, contact our team today.
If you are ready to find the right durable medical equipment or respiratory supplies, visit our local store, check out our full range of services, or learn more about our story. We are proud to serve the Rio Grande Valley with trusted care.
Visit MacPherson’s Medical Supply at 2325 S 77 Sunshine Strip, Ste. B, Harlingen, Texas 78550. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For questions, email us at admin@macmedsupply.com or call 956-412-9100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CPAP machine do?
A CPAP machine delivers continuous positive airway pressure that keeps your airway open while you sleep. This helps prevent breathing interruptions, maintains healthy oxygen levels, and supports deeper, more restorative sleep. Regular use can reduce daytime sleepiness and improve heart health.
How does a CPAP machine work at night, and what happens from machine to mask?
The machine generates gentle air pressure that travels through tubing into a well-fitted nasal or full-face mask. The sealed fit keeps pressure within your airway, allowing you to breathe normally. Optional heated humidification and tubing add moisture and prevent dryness, while filters clean the air for a more comfortable experience.
What’s the difference between CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP?
CPAP provides one fixed pressure throughout the night and is effective for most people. APAP adjusts pressure automatically in response to your breathing. BiPAP offers different pressures for inhaling and exhaling, often recommended for patients who require higher pressure or have specific medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will help determine the right system for you.
What does a CPAP machine do for snoring and oxygen levels?
By preventing the airway from collapsing, CPAP therapy usually quiets or eliminates snoring. It keeps oxygen levels steady throughout the night, leading to better sleep quality, reduced morning fatigue, and improved daytime alertness. Over time, consistent therapy also supports heart and brain health.
How often should I replace CPAP supplies?
Filters should typically be replaced every two weeks if disposable, and every six months if reusable. Mask cushions are replaced monthly, tubing every three months, and headgear or humidifier chambers every six months. Always follow the schedule in your equipment manual and check your insurance coverage for replacement intervals.
Can weight loss or an oral appliance replace CPAP?
Weight loss can sometimes lessen the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, and oral appliances can be helpful for mild to moderate cases. However, for most people with moderate to severe OSA, CPAP remains the most effective treatment. It is best to discuss all options with a licensed sleep specialist.
