Sleep apnea is a serious breathing disorder that affects millions of Americans. It is caused when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep. When the muscles relax they can obstruct the airway, making it harder to take an adequate breath in. This causes sleep to be disrupted repeatedly throughout the night, as the sleeper must wake enough to change position to begin breathing again. Sleep apnea is also associated with a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Sleep Safe Program

Has your doctor diagnosed you with sleep apnea? Insurance doesn’t always cover the total cost of a machine and supplies. Breathe California helps sleep apnea patients with low cost breathing equipment and supplies. Learn more.

Can you donate your gently-used CPAP and BiPAP machines and supplies? Our inventory is very low, so please consider donating now so we can get them to people who need them.

Did you know?

1 in 5 adults in the US have at least mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Why is CPAP the most popular treatment?

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a noninvasive treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It’s supplied by a machine that delivers pressurized air, usually through a mask over the nose. The air pressure provides just enough air to prevent the airway from collapsing while sleeping. For most, it is the most reliable and effective treatment and hundreds of thousands of CPAP devices are now being used to treat sleep apnea.

Why is sleep important?

Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.