Two types of positive airway pressure used to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea are the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the effective noninvasive medical treatment to eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. The CPAP consists of a portable machine that has a mask, tubes and fan. The patient is required to wear the sealed mask that is connected to a long hose, over the nose during sleep. CPAP works by gently blowing pressurized air through the nasal passage of the patient at a pressure high enough to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep. This pressurized air works as a pneumatic splint. The air pressure is constant and continuous and can be adjusted as per the patient