Which device is commonly used to maintain oxygen saturation during sleep apnea episodes?

The CPAP machine, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, is specifically designed to maintain oxygen saturation and prevent airway obstruction in individuals experiencing sleep apnea. This device delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask that keeps the airway open, thus ensuring that oxygen can flow freely to the lungs during sleep.

When someone has sleep apnea, their airway may become partially or completely blocked during sleep, which can lead to reductions in oxygen levels in the blood. The CPAP machine counteracts these episodes by providing a steady stream of air that maintains positive pressure in the airway, preventing collapse and ensuring adequate ventilation.

In contrast, while an oximeter is useful for measuring oxygen saturation levels in real-time, it does not actively intervene to maintain those levels during sleep. A Venturi mask and a regular face mask are both tools for delivering oxygen but are not tailored specifically for the intermittent airway obstructions that characterize sleep apnea episodes. Therefore, the CPAP machine is the most effective device for this specific purpose.