C.P.A.P. (pronounced "Ceepap")

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Equipment that provides continuous airway pressure via a tube and mask so that the air pressure acts as a 'splint', preventing the airway from narrowing or collapsing. Use of C.P.A.P. equipment enables the patient to breath properly during sleep, also helping to prevent snoring, and therefore over come the serious problems caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (O.S.A.)

What does C.P.A.P. equipment consist of ?

• A pump to produce pressurised air
• A flexible length of tubing to carry the air to you
• A close fitting mask worn over the nose (or full face mask - nose and mouth) with port or a device to allow the exhausted air to escape (full face masks are fitted with an anti asphyxiation device to allow intake of air if equipment fails)
• Head straps to hold the mask in place.