What does CPAP stand for in sleep medicine?

What does CPAP stand for in sleep medicine?

• A. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• B. Continuous Passive Airway Pressure
• C. Constant Pressure Assistance for Breathing
• D. Controlled Positive Airway Pressure

Answer: (A)

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The idea is that the machine delivers a steady positive pressure in the airway throughout the night, which helps keep the upper airway open and prevents it from collapsing during sleep. This is how it treats obstructive sleep apnea, reducing apneas and improving oxygenation and daytime alertness. The other phrases aren’t correct because they either misstate the nature of the pressure (passive vs positive) or use nonstandard wording (constant or controlled rather than continuous). Continuous positive airway pressure is the standard term and describes the constant support kept in the airway during sleep.

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The idea is that the machine delivers a steady positive pressure in the airway throughout the night, which helps keep the upper airway open and prevents it from collapsing during sleep. This is how it treats obstructive sleep apnea, reducing apneas and improving oxygenation and daytime alertness. The other phrases aren’t correct because they either misstate the nature of the pressure (passive vs positive) or use nonstandard wording (constant or controlled rather than continuous). Continuous positive airway pressure is the standard term and describes the constant support kept in the airway during sleep.