What is the main function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

The main function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is to apply constant positive pressure throughout the respiratory cycle. This technique is primarily used in patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or respiratory distress, where maintaining airway patency is crucial for effective ventilation and gas exchange.

By providing a continuous flow of air, CPAP prevents the collapse of airways during exhalation, ensuring that the alveoli remain open and reducing the work of breathing. This support is valuable in improving oxygenation and reducing the effort required by the patient to breathe, particularly in the presence of obstructive conditions.

CPAP differs significantly from modes of mechanical ventilation that control breaths, as it does not take over the patient's breathing efforts but instead supports them. Sedation is also not a function provided by CPAP; it is a modality focused purely on airway pressure management rather than altering a patient's level of consciousness. Ultimately, CPAP serves as a critical tool in enhancing respiratory function without fully mechanizing ventilation.