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Devices designed to apply continuous positive airway pressure during both inspiration and expiration while the patient is performing spontaneous breathing. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) units typically consist of a pressurized circuit including a threshold resistor, such as an underwater seal, a weighted ball, or a spring-loaded valve. A threshold resistor is a device that exerts a predictable, quantifiable, and constant force at the expiratory limb, creating a threshold pressure that must be exceeded to allow flow through the valve. The units also include a high-flow gas source and a mask to deliver the pressurized air to the patient; many devices include a manometer. CPAP units usually maintain a baseline airway pressure of 5 to 20 cm of H20 throughout the whole respiratory cycle; the devices require a gas flow greater than the patient inspiratory flow to maintain the desired positive airway pressure. These units are intended to provide noninvasive positive pressure breathing assistance therapy through a mask (either nasal or oronasal), a mouthpiece, or lipseal; they are frequently used to treat central sleep or obstructive apnea disorders. They are not intended for continuous breathing support.
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