Can Continuous positive airway pressure be utilized as a ventilator for treating

Posted by ResMed on November 30th, 2020

This year a disease called Covid-19 popularly known as Coronavirus knocked visited India, abandoning us suffering from it. Like any other industry, it has left a remarkable impact on The medical industry too. Hospitals are facing a shortage of ventilation machines to a great extent. A shortage of ventilators has caused great pressure on health experts to arrange for the alternative device of a ventilator for treating respiratory issues in Covid patients. Repurposing other breathing devices is one such method. However, the FDA played a significant guide in this by declaring Continuous positive airway pressure machines and Bilevel positive pressure machines can be used as modified ventilators. Albeit, manufacturers, and health experts were asked for careful usage and minimum aerosolization during the procedure.

According to NPR reports, it can even worsen the condition by aerosolizing the usage from one person to another both in hospitals and at home. It can not be used for multiple people.  It can cause COVID-19 even when used for respiratory disease as infection can be passed from one touch to another. Therefore, as of now, it can be used only in emergencies when there is an acute deficiency of ventilators. 

Mention some Difference Between CPAP Machines and Ventilators?

Continuous Positive airway pressure machines and ventilators are both considered animal ventilation techniques. Both of them help in improving breathing patterns. CPAP machine and Ventilator puts forced air pressure into the nose and mouth of the person to clear the blocked ays. It is used for better respiration techniques in the human body.  However, ventilators are used for treating chronic breathing where a person is unable to retain its own.

 How can we reframe CPAP Machines for COVID-19 patients?

For patients who have severe corona-virus, ventilation is pretty critical for them. Although, people who have a moderate chance of having a breathing issue during the tenure of the disease are more likely to get help through a CPAP machine.  According to the FDA, Manufacturers are required to be extra careful about ensuring the proper use and definite effectiveness.

How machines can be used for breathing purpose

During the pre- corona era, people used CPAP for improved sleep. It helped people have a safe and sound sleep. CPAP blows forced air into the mouth and nose of a person through a mask to clear the airways for better restoration during sleep.

Bi-PAP works on the same technique as that of a CPAP. But it provides two kinds of pressure-one for inhalation and another for exhalation. Both of these methods are used for better registration. Patients who are intolerant to CPAP are diagnosed with Bi-PAP. 

Can Sleep Apnea be an issue for COVID-19 patients?

There have been studies shown that other pre-existing diseases like lung and heart disease,  Week immune can make fall prey to Covid-19. However, there is no direct link between the coronavirus and Sleep apnea which should be a matter of concern for people. People should be extra attentive while using a continuous positive airway pressure machine.

How can CPAP Machine be used at home?

Sleep Apnea is majorly treated with Continuous positive airway pressure machines at home. Almost twenty-two million people used this machine for treating the disease.