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Devices used in breathing circuits to maintain a selected level of positive pressure in the patient\'s airway at the end of expiration. The device is typically constructed of plastic and metal materials and contain a spring or springs that press on the exhalation valve, which opens and closes based on the pressure differential between the airway and atmosphere. The device may have a cap or dial that can be used to compress the spring to adjust the amount of pressure applied to the valve disk; some valves are set at a fixed pressure. Positive end-expiratory pressure valves can be reusable or disposable.
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