What is CPAP?
CPAP stands for
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
These means there is a constant airway pressure applied to the
airway when connected to the CPAP machine.
CPAP requires several things. First is the CPAP machine. This is essentially a fan which is
controlled by a computer. The
fan creates airflow in a semi-closed system, and this airflow creates a
certain level of pressure. The
computer is able to measure the pressure and change the airflow in order to
modify the desired pressure.
The CPAP machine needs
to be connected to the patient.
This requires some tubing which connects the machine to the
interface. The interface is
attached to the patient. The
most common interface is a nasal mask, but there are other options
including a full face mask (which covers the nose and mouth), nasal pillows
(which plug into the inside of the nose), and newer variations called
hybrid masks (which connect to the nose and mouth.
There are many benefits
of using CPAP to treat sleep apnea.
However, there are often small problems at the beginning of therapy
that need to be worked out.
Continue reading to find out more!
What is CPAP?
CPAP
machines
Variations of CPAP
include: Auto-adjusting
PAP, Bilevel PAP, and Adaptive Servoventilation
CPAP interfaces (click
one of the following)
Nasal Masks
Full Face
Masks
Nasal
Pillows
Other
Interfaces
What are the benefits of
CPAP?
Troubleshooting
CPAP problems
PAP
variations
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