Sleep apnea is commonly treated with a "continuous positive airway pressure, " or CPAP, machine worn at night to keep the airway open.

WSJ: A Test for Sleep Apnea From Your Own Bedroom

Three of the babies -- Will, David and Marcie -- are on nasal prongs, which provide them with continuous positive airway pressure, Burgess said.

CNN: 5 babies in 5 minutes: Texas quintuplets

Some people benefit from a special mouthpiece or a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine that keeps the airway open and prevents long pauses in breathing during sleep.

CNN: How can someone stop or reduce snoring?