What is a disadvantage of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is widely used in critical care settings primarily for patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or respiratory distress. A notable disadvantage of CPAP is that not all ventilators are equipped with the capability to deliver CPAP effectively. This limitation can restrict the availability and versatility of CPAP as a treatment option in various clinical situations, particularly in emergency or intensive care settings where different types of mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Furthermore, leveraging CPAP requires specific settings and adaptations on the ventilator, which may not be present in all models. As a result, when a ventilator lacks the CPAP mode, healthcare providers may need to resort to alternative modes of ventilation or treatment options, potentially complicating patient management. This makes the availability of CPAP on ventilators a crucial consideration in the design and choice of equipment for critical care environments.