A positive airway pressure device helps kids breathe easier by delivering pressurized air. It keeps the airway open during sleep.

How they work:

• Your child wears a mask over their nose or nose and mouth.
• A motor blows air through a tube and into the mask.
• Air pressure helps keep the airway open and supports breathing.

There are a few options for devices. Your doctor will talk you through the best options for your child.

CPAP machine

A CPAP machine is set at a pressure that stays the same when your child breathes in and out.

Your child may need CPAP if:

They have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) even after having surgery.

They have OSA but are not a candidate for surgery.

Their airway blockage is due to obesity, a structural difference or other issue.

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine.

A BiPAP machine gives higher-pressure air when the child breathes in. It can also give a child a breath if there is a pause in breathing.

Your child's doctor may prescribe BiPAP if:

• They have OSA and they didn't tolerate CPAP.
• They have weakness from a disease like muscular dystrophy.
• They have diseases that stop the lungs from expanding as fully as they should.
• They have central sleep apnea, which is when the brain doesn't send signals to breathe.
• They have other breathing problems during sleep.

Home ventilator with a mask

A home ventilator can work as a positive airway pressure device. It can also breathe for the child. Some kids need to use a home ventilator with a mask instead of a CPAP or BiPAP machine.

Reasons for this treatment: 

• Your child is too small or young to use CPAP or BiPAP.
• They have severe lung disease or central sleep apnea.
• There is a power outage and they need a battery-powered device.
• They need advanced ventilator modes or settings.
• They have a need for daytime mouthpiece ventilation.

If your child’s lung or neuromuscular disease is severe, they may need a home ventilator with a tracheostomy.

Once your child gets their mask, they should practice wearing it for up to 30 minutes each day. Some kids may need to start with just five minutes. Have your child wear the mask while reading or playing a quiet game. 

Our team is highly skilled in helping kids with special needs. There are unique challenges for kids with special needs. We can often overcome them with teamwork and patience.

Your CPAP and BiPAP machine uploads data to an online program. Our experts can see how your child breathes while they are sleeping. They'll be able to discuss this data with you at your next visit.