CPAP is a well-established treatment that has been in use in clinical practice for more than 40 years.1-3 

CPAP is an accepted alternative to routine intubation and invasive ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome4,5 and is the preferred initial method of providing noninvasive respiratory support.6

 

How does CPAP therapy work?

CPAP therapy delivers a mixture of heated and humidified air and oxygen and generates a continuous distending pressure throughout the respiratory cycle by means of a sealed interface.7,8 

There are different methods of delivering CPAP therapy, such as bubble CPAP, variable flow CPAP, and ventilator-derived CPAP. Bubble CPAP is a simple and economical mode of delivering CPAP in neonates, including those born preterm and those with a low birth weight.8,9

There are multiple benefits in providing a continuous distending pressure such as splinting the upper airway, maintaining lung expansion, preventing end-expiratory alveolar collapse and conservation of surfactant.7

Key mechanisms and benefits of CPAP therapy are:
 
Infant residual capacity

Maintains functional residual capacity (FRC)

CPAP can enhance lung volume recruitment and establish and maintain FRC,11,12 helping to keep the lungs open.
 
CPAP reduces work of breathing

Reduces the work of breathing

CPAP has been shown to elevate end-expiratory lung volume, which helps to unload the inspiratory muscles and reduce the energy required to expand the lungs for breathing.11,13,14

Learn more about CPAP Therapy
CPAP Mechanical Ventilation for infants

Decreases the need for mechanical ventilation

The use of CPAP alone, or CPAP in combination with surfactant when used as primary respiratory support has been associated with a reduced need for intubation and invasive ventilation.15,16
Learn more about CPAP with NHF

Using CPAP in conjunction with Nasal High Flow (NHF)

There is a body of evidence supporting the use of both CPAP and NHF in the NICU.  Learn how you can use both therapies to provide the best care possible to neonates.
 

 

CPAP Product Range

Bubble CPAP system

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Flexitrunk interface product image

FlexiTrunk™ interface

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View references

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