CPAP (or BiPAP) is used for which purpose?

• A. Used on sleep apnea patients; provides mild continuous positive airway pressure
• B. Used to diagnose sleep disorders
• C. Used to deliver humidified oxygen
• D. Used to monitor airway pressures

Answer: (A)

CPAP and BiPAP provide noninvasive airway support by delivering positive pressure to keep the upper airway open during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway tends to collapse as you relax at night. The continuous positive pressure acts like a splint, preventing collapse, which improves airflow, oxygenation, and reduces the work of breathing. That’s why CPAP is used for sleep apnea patients. It isn’t a diagnostic tool, nor is its primary role to deliver humidified oxygen (though humidification can be added in some setups), and it isn’t a device for monitoring airway pressures. BiPAP uses two different pressures for inhalation and exhalation, but the purpose described here aligns with CPAP’s continuous support.