Positive airway pressure
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy[edit | edit source]
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is a medical treatment used to manage breathing disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). By delivering a stream of pressurized air into the respiratory tract, PAP therapy keeps the airway open during sleep, preventing apnea episodes and improving breathing patterns. There are several types of PAP therapy, each tailored to meet different therapeutic needs.
Types of PAP Therapy[edit | edit source]
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Delivers a constant stream of air pressure.
- Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BPAP): Provides two levels of air pressure, higher during inhalation and lower during exhalation.
- Auto-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP): Automatically adjusts air pressure based on the user’s needs throughout the night.
Indications[edit | edit source]
PAP therapy is primarily indicated for:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Certain types of Central sleep apnea
- Respiratory failure due to other medical conditions, such as COPD or Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- Preoperative stabilization of high-risk surgical patients
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
PAP therapy works by creating a pneumatic splint for the airway, preventing its collapse during sleep. This mechanism facilitates normal breathing patterns, improves oxygen saturation, and enhances sleep quality.
Usage[edit | edit source]
Patients use PAP therapy devices at night during sleep. The device includes a pump that generates airflow, a hose that delivers the air, and a mask that disperses the air to the patient’s nose and/or mouth.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
While PAP therapy is effective and safe, some users may experience side effects, such as:
- Nasal congestion or dryness
- Skin irritation from the mask
- Dry mouth
- Claustrophobia from mask use
Maintenance[edit | edit source]
Regular maintenance of the PAP device and its components is crucial for effective therapy. This includes cleaning or replacing the air filter, washing the mask, and checking the hoses for leaks.
See Also[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- National Sleep Foundation - CPAP
- American Thoracic Society - Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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