page_title: Continuous positive airway pressure
section_title: Delivery
hierarchical_section_title: Continuous positive airway pressure / Delivery
caption_attribution_description: English: This is a depiction of a Sleep Apnea patient using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping.
context_page_description: Continuous positive airway pressure is a form of positive airway pressure ventilation in which a constant level of pressure above atmospheric pressure is continuously applied to the upper airway. The application of positive pressure may be intended to prevent upper airway collapse, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnea, or to reduce the work of breathing in conditions such as acute decompensated heart failure.
context_section_description: Although delivery of CPAP through a nasal mask is the most common modality of treatment, other systems exist for interfacing with adults and children. Nasal CPAP is frequently used in infants, though its use is controversial. Studies have shown nasal CPAP reduces ventilator time but an increased occurrence of pneumothorax was also prevalent. Oral masks and naso-oral masks are often used when nasal congestion or obstruction is an issue. Devices that combine nasal pressure with mandibular advancement devices (MAD) also exist.
caption: An example of a nasal mask for CPAP
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