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My Child Has:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Programs that perform this test
Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders  
What is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device used to maintain the airway during sleep in children with obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machine increases air pressure in the throat so that a child's airway does not collapse when breathing while asleep.

The air stream is delivered through one of the following:

  • A mask that covers the nose, only
  • A mask that covers the nose and mouth
  • Small prongs that fit into the nostrils

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    What side effects may occur from using a CPAP machine?
    Although most children experience none, some of the following side-effects may occur:
  • Dry nose, nosebleeds
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Irritation of the eyes or face
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Headaches

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