Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP)Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionContinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is pressured air delivered into the airway by a machine.
Reasons for the Use of CPAPCPAP is used to keep the airway open. This lets air move in and out of the lungs more easily. It is used most often to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a series of pauses in breathing during sleep. It is caused by relaxed throat muscles that press into airway while you sleep. which can lead to: CPAP may also be used in preterm infants. It supports their lungs until they develop. Possible ComplicationsCPAP is considered safe. Some problems that can happen are:
What to ExpectPrior to Getting a CPAP MachineBefore prescribing a CPAP machine, the doctor may advise you to:
Description of Machine UseThe CPAP machine has a pump and a face mask. The pump sits off the bed. It has a tube that goes to the face mask. The face mask will be tightly secured to the head so that air will not leak out. The pump will force air through the airway. This will help keep the airway open. The face mask will need to be worn during sleep. How Long Will It Take?The machine will be used for as long as it is needed. Will It Hurt?Some have reported skin, eye, or nose irritation or chest muscle and belly discomfort. The doctor may advise ways to relieve any discomfort. Average Hospital StayCPAP machines will be used at home. Post-procedure CareStopping use of the CPAP can cause OSA problems to return. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American Lung Association http://www.lung.org American Sleep Apnea Association https://www.sleepapnea.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery https://www.entcanada.org The Lung Association https://www.lung.ca References:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/management/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-cpap-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa Accessed January 20,2021.
CPAP. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cpap. Accessed January 20, 2021.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa-in-adults. Accessed January 20, 2021.
Turnbull C, Sen D, et. al. Effect of supplemental oxygen on blood pressure in obstructive sleep spnea (SOX). A randomized continuous positive airway pressure withdrawal trial Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Jan 15;199(2):211-219. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary Beth Seymour, RN Last Updated: 1/20/2021 | |
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