How does a CPAP work.

My first post here. I've had my ResMed for about a week now and man that thing works. For the first time in my life I wake up feeling rested but the full mask is enough to drive anyone nuts. Before I dig into this deeper I got a question of interest. How does a CPAP unit work. I mean when you exhale. Were does it go? Thanks in advance. Bob

CPAP masks have CO2 vents.

They will be on the mask, or mask connector.

On some masks the venting is heavily diffused, to reduce noise and irritation from continuous blowing, so it's difficult to find. When you've got your mask on, put the back of your hand about an inch away fro your mask, probably near the connector.

You should feel a slight cool breeze when you're inhaling and a warmer breeze when exhaling.

And because the exhale is CO2, don't cover the vent with bedding, etc. and you won't rebreathe the CO2 (not fun).

How does CPAP work? Simply, it keeps the air in your respiratory tree under some pressure. This extra pressure keeps the airways from collapsing, the cause of obstructive apnea and snoring. That is a very simple explanation.

If it were true... but it doesn't go into your lungs or 'tree', just keeps your airway open at your throat where tissue collapses or is blocked by e.g. your tongue, occasionally uvula, but that's all.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-con ... d-20084718

see above link

Julie wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 19, 2021 12:34 pm

And because the exhale is CO2, don't cover the vent with bedding, etc. and you won't rebreathe the CO2 (not fun).

Unless your bedding is plastic sheets, your advice is moot.

Thanks for the answer folks. I know how Cpap works. I just couldn't figure out were the exhale went. Now I will post my next question about this F*%#&^% mask.