What it means
A machine blows air at one constant pressure through a mask over the nose or the nose and mouth, during breathing in and out. It is the main treatment for obstructive sleep apneaub-STRUK-tiv SLEEP AP-nee-uhA sleep disorder in which the upper airway closes again and again during sleep, stopping or reducing breathing.a- without-pnea breathingFull entry , where it stops the throat from collapsing during sleep. It is also used in newborns with breathing problems and in some adults with fluid in the lungs. Unlike BiPAPBY-papBilevel positive airway pressure: breathing support through a mask that gives one pressure on breathing in and a lower one on breathing out.Full entry , the pressure does not change between breaths.
For the nurse
Encourage nightly use, as many clients stop because of mask discomfort, dry mouth or noise. Check mask fit and skin, and clean the equipment as directed.
At a glance
| Also written | continuous positive airway pressure |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
BiPAP
Bilevel positive airway pressure: breathing support through a mask that gives one pressure on breathing in and a lower one on breathing out.
Related terms
obstructive sleep apnea
A sleep disorder in which the upper airway closes again and again during sleep, stopping or reducing breathing.
respiratory distress syndrome
A breathing disorder of newborns, mostly premature babies, whose lungs do not yet make enough surfactant.
BiPAP
Bilevel positive airway pressure: breathing support through a mask that gives one pressure on breathing in and a lower one on breathing out.