Cpap

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) (/siːˈpæp/, SEE-pap) is a form of positive airway pressure ventilator, which applies mild air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airways continuously open in people who are able to breathe spontaneously on their own. It is an alternative to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Both modalities stent the lungs' alveoli open and thus recruit more of the lung's surface area for ventilation. But while PEEP refers to devices that impose positive pressure only at the end of the exhalation, CPAP devices apply continuous positive airway pressure throughout the breathing cycle.

Etymology

The term "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" is derived from its function. The word "Continuous" refers to the constant flow of air, "Positive Airway Pressure" refers to the pressure applied to keep the airways open.

Related Terms

• Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
• Ventilator
• Alveoli
• Breathing cycle

See Also

• Sleep apnea
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Central sleep apnea

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cpap
• Wikipedia's article - Cpap

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