CPAP Glossary
Apnea index (AI)
The severity of sleep apnea as measured by the the number of apnea events (stoppages in breathing) per hour.
Bi-Level CPAP
Bi-level (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines deliver air flow to the air passage at different pressures during inhalation (inspiratory pressure) and exhalation (expiratory pressure). Inhalation pressure is higher to keep the airway open, and exhalation pressure is lower to make breathing out easier.
Central Sleep Apnea
Cessation of breathing during sleep as a function of neuorological failure. The body "forgets" to breath, if you will.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
A machine used to treat sleep apnea by providing continuous air pressure through a nasal mask to a person while sleeping. This air pressure keeps the airway from collapsing at night and resumes normal breathing.
CPAP Pressure
Air pressure needed to maintain an open airway in a person suffering from sleep apnea.
EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure)
The exhalation air pressure setting on a Bi-level (BiPAP) CPAP machine.
Hypopnea
Shallow breathing which is less than half of normal.
IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure)
The inhalation air pressure setting on a Bi-level (BiPAP) CPAP machine.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Cessation of breathing during sleep due to a mechanical obstruction in the trachea, relaxed tongue at back of the throat, or a large amount of uvulva tissue.
Sleep Apnea
The absence of breathing for 10 or more seconds during sleep.
VPAP - (Variable Positive Airway Pressure)
A type of CPAP machine that automatically adjusts pressure to keep the breathing passages open by sensing changes in the airway. Sometimes called auto-CPAP or smart-CPAP.
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