Answer: The machine is designed to force positive air pressure through a a mask or nose pillows. The positive pressure keeps the upper airway tissues open allow you to breathe more freely. Most causes of sleep apnea are from the soft tissue in the back of your throat. These fall back and obstruct airflow to the lungs. Over long periods of time this can put stress on your heart because you will not have proper oxygen exchange and your heart gets deprived of these inadequate breaths. The word apnea means "cease of breath". There are other neurological reasons that can cause sleep apnea as well. Although the cpap machine is somewhat en-cumbersome and some feel that they are embarrassing, they also will allow you to have adequate sleep and provide the oxygen your heart needs.