What is the primary aim of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy?

The primary aim of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is to maintain open airways during sleep. CPAP works by providing a constant stream of air through a mask that keeps the airways from collapsing or becoming obstructed. This is especially crucial for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, where the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to blockage of the airway, interruptions in breathing, and subsequent drops in blood oxygen levels.

By ensuring that the airways remain open, CPAP therapy helps to facilitate uninterrupted sleep and improves overall sleep quality. It also helps prevent complications associated with sleep apnea, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive impairment. The other options relate to potential outcomes of effective CPAP therapy rather than its primary function. For instance, while a well-functioning CPAP can help improve oxygen delivery as a secondary effect, it is not its main aim. Similarly, inducing sleep faster or completely eliminating snoring are not direct actions of the CPAP device itself. The fundamental objective is focused specifically on maintaining airway patency during sleep.