There are many different types of sleep apnea CPAP machines available but these are mostly used to help manage only the first type of sleep apnea, which is obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure means that it is slightly higher than the pressure of the air outside. This should be effective in keeping the airways open and free from obstructions which might keep you from breathing properly. It works really well as long as the mask stays in place while the person sleeps. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that this will happen, especially if the individual happens to move a lot while sleeping.
The most commonly recommended sleep apnea machines are the Respironics or Resmed CPAP machines. There is a new model recently released, which is called the Resmed S9 Elite CPAP machine. Continuous positive airway pressure machines like these models, come with masks which a person will wear that keeps pressurised air blowing into the airways throughout the night.
Another form of the CPAP sleep apnea machine uses differing levels of pressure depending on the individual’s needs. In theory, this will work better and it’s much more comfortable to use. However, the problems remain the same in that there is still no guarantee that the mask will stay in place the entire time that the person is sleeping. You will also find CPAP pillows which might make the machine more comfortable to use.