continuous positive airway pressure
noun
: a technique for relieving breathing problems (such as those associated with sleep apnea or congestive heart failure) by pumping a steady flow of air at constant pressure through the nose to prevent the narrowing or collapse of air passages or to help the lungs to expand
—abbreviation CPAP
compare bilevel positive airway pressure
Examples of continuous positive airway pressure in a Sentence
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It’s often used as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which some people find hard to tolerate.
—
New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
After years of symptoms, Piccaver was eventually diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2017 and given a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025
The use of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines has been shown to improve sleep quality, improve testosterone and alleviate symptoms.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Behavioral factors may be at play too: when temperatures are higher, individuals may be less likely to wear their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks, which are prescribed to reduce or prevent apnea.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 19 May 2025
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New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
After years of symptoms, Piccaver was eventually diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2017 and given a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025
The use of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines has been shown to improve sleep quality, improve testosterone and alleviate symptoms.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Behavioral factors may be at play too: when temperatures are higher, individuals may be less likely to wear their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks, which are prescribed to reduce or prevent apnea.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for continuous positive airway pressure
Cite this Entry
“Continuous positive airway pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuous%20positive%20airway%20pressure. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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continuous positive airway pressure
noun
: a technique for relieving breathing problems (as those associated with sleep apnea or congestive heart failure) by pumping a steady flow of air of constant pressure through the nose to prevent the narrowing or collapse of air passages or to help the lungs to expand
The most common treatment for patients with sleep apnea is to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at the upper airway, usually through a nasal mask, during sleep.—Jeffrey M. Drazen
—abbreviation CPAP
compare bilevel positive airway pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure
Jeffrey M. DrazenLove words? Need even more definitions?
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