CPAP is a well-established treatment that has been in use in clinical practice for more than 40 years.1-3 

CPAP is an accepted alternative to routine intubation and invasive ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome4,5 and is the preferred initial method of providing noninvasive respiratory support.6


How does CPAP therapy work?

CPAP therapy delivers a mixture of heated and humidified air and oxygen and generates a continuous distending pressure throughout the respiratory cycle by means of a sealed interface.7,8 

There are different methods of delivering CPAP therapy, such as bubble CPAP, variable flow CPAP, and ventilator-derived CPAP. Bubble CPAP is a simple and economical mode of delivering CPAP in neonates, including those born preterm and those with a low birth weight.8,9

There are multiple benefits in providing a continuous distending pressure such as splinting the upper airway, maintaining lung expansion, preventing end-expiratory alveolar collapse and conservation of surfactant.7

Key mechanisms and benefits of CPAP therapy are:
Infant residual capacity

Maintains functional residual capacity (FRC)

CPAP can enhance lung volume recruitment and establish and maintain FRC,11,12 helping to keep the lungs open.

Reduces the work of breathing

CPAP has been shown to elevate end-expiratory lung volume, which helps to unload the inspiratory muscles and reduce the energy required to expand the lungs for breathing.11,13,14

CPAP Mechanical Ventilation for infants

Decreases the need for mechanical ventilation

The use of CPAP alone, or CPAP in combination with surfactant when used as primary respiratory support has been associated with a reduced need for intubation and invasive ventilation.15,16
Bubble CPAP Generator

Bubble CPAP system

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare offers a system to deliver bubble CPAP, including circuits, pressure relief manifold, and bubble CPAP generator.

Flexitrunk interface for CPAP therapy

FlexiTrunk™ interface

The Flexitrunk interface is an integrated solution that includes all the components such as nasal masks, nasal prongs, bonnets and headgear for delivering CPAP therapy.