RESUMO
The treatment by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) corresponds to the application of a pneumatic splint to remove the collapses of the air routes higher at the origin of the apnea during the sleep. The CPAP is transmitted to the patient by means of an interface. The effectiveness of the device is recognized in the treatment of symptomatic sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) with the disappearance of diurnal sleepiness. A prolonged therapy is necessary to consider effect beneficial, with the help of an observance which exceeds the 4 hours per night. The side effects are related on the mask and the continuous flow which irritates the mucous membranes, but they are easily controllable. The assets of the CPAP in the reduction of the cardiovascular events still makes debate, even for the durable control of arterial hypertension. The annual cost of the CPAP therapy remains high.
