What aspect of respiratory health does the CPAP machine most directly address?

The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine most directly addresses sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the soft tissues in the throat collapse and block the airway during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing, reduced oxygen levels, and poor sleep quality.

By delivering a continuous flow of air through a mask worn during sleep, the CPAP machine helps keep the airway open. This intervention improves breathing patterns during sleep, allowing individuals to achieve more restorative sleep and decreasing the associated health risks. Consequently, the primary function of a CPAP machine is to manage the symptoms and complications of sleep disorders rather than altering basic respiratory parameters like breathing rate, lung capacity, or airway clearance directly.