What is the Origin of CPAP?

The term is a direct abbreviation of its functional description, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The therapy itself was pioneered in the early 1980s by Dr. Colin Sullivan in Australia as a novel, non-surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Its origin is rooted in the physiological understanding that upper airway collapse during sleep is the primary mechanism of OSA, and that maintaining a positive pressure gradient could physically counteract this collapse.

What is the Mechanism of CPAP?

The core mechanism of CPAP is the continuous delivery of a constant, set air pressure that is greater than the surrounding atmospheric pressure. This positive pressure is transmitted through the pharyngeal lumen down to the level of the soft palate and tongue base. This constant force physically stabilizes the soft tissues of the upper airway, preventing them from collapsing during inspiration and expiration, which is characteristic of obstructive events. By maintaining airway patency, CPAP ensures uninterrupted airflow, restoring normal breathing patterns and improving sleep quality and nocturnal oxygenation.

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Meaning

CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, a non-invasive therapeutic intervention commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other respiratory disorders. The therapy involves delivering pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, which acts as a pneumatic splint to keep the upper airway open during sleep. By preventing the collapse of the pharyngeal tissues, CPAP effectively eliminates apneic events and improves oxygen saturation. This mechanical ventilation technique is the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA.