What is Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (C-PAP/Bi-PAP)?
Positive Airway Pressure is accomplished by using an airflow device to treat patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The device, called a nasal positive airway pressure device, consists of a small mask or “nasal pillows”, a lightweight headgear to hold the mask in place, the airflow unit and a short length of tubing. Occasionally other apparatus may be added such as a chin strap or humidifier to promote the effectiveness of the therapy. Positive Airway Pressure Therapy is usually applied using one of two methods: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). CPAP is a constant pressure that is applied during inspiration and expiration. Bi-level provides different pressures during inspiration and expiration and may result in improved patient comfort when higher-pressure settings are required to treat the sleep disordered breathing.
Related Questions
- Does Positive Expiratory Pressure Mask Therapy Improve Recovery From Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
- Must applications propose Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) as the treatment for OSA, or may other treatment strategies be proposed?
- Could Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Cause a Dry Mouth?
