Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of CPAP?

In the context of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the defining characteristics are essential to understand its function. CPAP is primarily known for providing a constant level of airway pressure during the respiratory cycle, which helps keep the airways open.

One key feature of CPAP is that it allows spontaneous breathing. Patients are able to initiate and control their breaths while receiving this form of support. This characteristic distinguishes CPAP from modes of ventilation that impose mechanical breaths.

The characteristic regarding elevated baseline pressure is also important. CPAP functions by applying continuous pressure throughout the respiratory cycle, effectively preventing airway collapse, particularly in conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.

While CPAP does provide a baseline pressure that can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and improve oxygenation, it does not offer ventilation support in the same way that mechanical ventilation does. Mechanical ventilation actively assists in the movement of air in and out of the lungs, whereas CPAP supports the patient's own spontaneous breathing efforts without actively assisting in the volume of air moved.

Regarding functional equivalency to Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP), CPAP can be considered functionally similar because it maintains positive pressure at the end of expiration. However, PEEP is often associated with controlled or assisted ventilation