← All explanationsCPAP therapy

How does CPAP keep the airway open?

A CPAP machine delivers air under positive pressure through a mask. For obstructive sleep apnoea, this can support the upper airway during sleep. Settings and follow-up require medical supervision.

For training & practice ↓
SMILE meets DESIGN
Fictional adult with a nasal mask, hose and unbranded CPAP device; the internal airway and treatment outcome are not depicted.AI-generated
Fictional CPAP example · not a patient case
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Support the airway

Air pressure acts as a pneumatic support. CPAP does not move the lower jaw forwards.

02 / 03

Fit the mask and routine

Fit, leakage and comfort affect use. Dryness or pressure marks should be discussed with the treating team.

03 / 03

Check effectiveness

Symptoms, usage data and additional testing when needed are reviewed. Do not replace prescribed CPAP with a dental appliance on your own.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Who plans it?

The medical sleep-treatment team.

If problems occur?

Review settings and fit with the team.

Dental relevance?

Dry mouth and possible appliance assessment.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

CPAP therapy: short film

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

  1. Support the airway

    Air pressure acts as a pneumatic support. CPAP does not move the lower jaw forwards.

  2. Fit the mask and routine

    Fit, leakage and comfort affect use. Dryness or pressure marks should be discussed with the treating team.

  3. Check effectiveness

    Symptoms, usage data and additional testing when needed are reviewed. Do not replace prescribed CPAP with a dental appliance on your own.

Often confused

CPAP versus a mandibular advancement appliance

CPAP uses air pressure. An appliance holds the lower jaw in a planned position; they are not interchangeable consumer products.

Quick answers
Is CPAP oxygen therapy?

It usually delivers pressurised room air. Additional oxygen is a separate medical decision.

What about a dry mouth?

Discuss mask fit, leaks and humidification with the team. Dry mouth also matters for oral care.

Could an appliance replace CPAP?

A mandibular advancement appliance may be considered in selected situations after medical and dental assessment. Switching is not a self-care decision.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How can I protect my teeth when my mouth becomes dry at night?

Oral dryness and dental questions about prescribed sleep treatment can be discussed.

Discuss dental aspects of sleep treatmentAppointment selection at Doctolib
Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗
Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure.
Mask
Connection between device and airway.
Leakage
Unintended escape of air.

Make the distinction

CPAP uses air pressure. An appliance holds the lower jaw in a planned position; they are not interchangeable consumer products.

Knowledge questionWhat is the basic action of CPAP?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

  1. Positive air pressure.
  2. Moving individual teeth.
  3. Whitening enamel.
View answer

Positive air pressure.

Its mechanism differs from a dental appliance.

Related topics
Sleep apnoea Apnoea–hypopnoea index Mandibular advancement device
Sources and context

Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.