Which statement best describes the action of CPAP in treating sleep-related airway collapse?

Which statement best describes the action of CPAP in treating sleep-related airway collapse?

• A. It mechanically vibrates the airway to prevent collapse
• B. It provides pulsatile pressure only during inhalation
• C. It delivers negative pressure to the airway
• D. It maintains airway patency by delivering continuous positive airway pressure

Answer: (D)

Continuous positive airway pressure works by delivering a steady stream of air at a positive pressure throughout the entire breathing cycle. That constant pressure acts as a splint to keep the airway open, preventing collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat during sleep. By maintaining airway patency, CPAP reduces obstructive events and improves oxygenation. It does not mechanically vibrate the airway, it does not deliver pressure only during inhalation (that would be a mode like some BiPAP settings), and it does not create negative pressure—CPAP is positive pressure throughout the cycle.

Continuous positive airway pressure works by delivering a steady stream of air at a positive pressure throughout the entire breathing cycle. That constant pressure acts as a splint to keep the airway open, preventing collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat during sleep. By maintaining airway patency, CPAP reduces obstructive events and improves oxygenation. It does not mechanically vibrate the airway, it does not deliver pressure only during inhalation (that would be a mode like some BiPAP settings), and it does not create negative pressure—CPAP is positive pressure throughout the cycle.