What is NCPAP?
NCPAP is an acronym standing for Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. There are many different reasons why someone might have partial or complete airway collapse when sleeping. NCPAP is a method used to treat this airway collapse.
A person who uses NCPAP typically wears a small mask over his/her nose during the night. This mask is connected to a machine that gently delivers a positive pressure to the individual's airway at the back of the throat.
This air pressure can be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual. This pressure "splints" or holds open the airway allowing normal airflow in and out when the person breathes.
The necessary parts of a NCPAP system are:
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A CPAP machine
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A length of tubing to go from the machine to the mask
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The mask or interface that an individual wears to deliver the pressure to the airway
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Equipment to hold the mask on the face, this is made from soft fabric (not all masks require this)
The NCPAP mask should be fitted to the individual's face and should be tried with pressure to the airway. The mask should not be painful or have excessive leaking. The person should also try the mask in different sleeping positions to see how well it stays in place.
The University of Utah Sleep-Wake Center is well equipped to handle issues dealing with NCPAP. We have a mask-fitting clinic where an individual can come and try on several different masks. We have knowledgeable technicians who can answer your questions and check your equipment for proper pressure settings.
