What must patients be able to do when using CPAP?

When using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), patients must be able to spontaneously breathe. CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation strategy that delivers a continuous flow of air to maintain positive airway pressure throughout the respiratory cycle. This helps to keep the airways open, particularly during expiration, and allows for better gas exchange. Patients on CPAP are typically awake and alert, capable of initiating their own breaths.

Patients do not require sedation, as the goal is to support spontaneous breathing rather than to take over or assist with ventilation completely. While mobility can vary depending on individual circumstances and the setup of the CPAP equipment, patients benefit from being able to move as necessary to maintain comfort and respiratory function. Therefore, it is essential that they can breathe on their own while using CPAP, which underlines the critical aspect of spontaneous breathing in this therapy.