CPAP & BIPAP Therapy for Children – What you need to know!

Guidance for primary care clinicians treating children who require non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) therapy

Other Names

• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP, BiPAP™, or BPAP)
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Nasal CPAP
• Non-invasive ventilation

Key Points

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used positive airway pressure (PAP) modality for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) therapy may be considered in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who do not respond to or tolerate CPAP therapy. BIPAP therapy with a backup rate may augment ventilation in children with hypercapnia due to respiratory insufficiency or abnormal respiratory drive.
• CPAP or BIPAP therapy should be initiated under the guidance of an experienced clinician. Acclimating a child to PAP therapy and achieving long-term adherence requires a high patient and caregiver commitment. Patients require frequent follow-up to assess compliance, tolerance, and efficacy of CPAP or BIPAP treatment.

Role of the Medical Home

Evaluation & Treatment of Sleep Problems

Sleep problems are common in children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Sleep Disorders & Parasomnias in Children provides more information on identifying and treating organic sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can contribute to poor sleep and lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, or behavioral issues. Consider routine use of sleep screening tools, which can be found at Screening for Sleep Problems.

Support Ongoing Care

Introducing and maintaining CPAP and BIPAP can be challenging for children and caregivers. Encourage patients to maintain regular follow-up with a clinician with expertise in pediatric PAP management, such as a pediatric Sleep Specialist/Pulmonologist, to ensure the effectiveness and tolerance of PAP therapy.

Patients and their families should expect the need for high bedside caregiver presence, at least initially. The caregiver should closely monitor the patient’s PAP use (through visual observation, scheduled check-ins during the night, review of PAP device report on nightly usage, and mask fit). They should be able to respond to PAP alarms for mask removal/displacement and assist the patient with reapplying the PAP mask and resuming PAP therapy during the night.

One to 4 weeks of gradual ‘desensitization’ is often required to get used to breathing with the machine. (See PAP Desensitization below.) The primary care clinician can use motivational interviewing to gauge motivation, identify goals of PAP therapy, and improve adherence.

Encourage cleaning, disinfecting, and replacing the components per manufacturer recommendations.

Sleep Hygiene Education

Habits that promote sleep by optimizing the bedroom environment and sleep routine are important for children with organic sleep disorders. Sleep Hygiene for Children (CHOC Children’s) ( 32 KB) provides a printable, 2-page handout with 14 easy tips for good sleep hygiene in children ages 0-13, and Behavioral Techniques to Improve Sleep has sleep advice to share with parents.

Referral

Refer to multidisciplinary care as needed:

• Pediatric Pulmonology 
• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Sleep Medicine 
• Pediatric Sleep Clinics 
• Sleep Studies/Polysomnography
• Behavioral Therapies

CPAP & BIPAP – How They Work

CPAP and BIPAP deliver air via contoured nasal or oronasal masks to maintain airway patency. These technologies are used in acute and chronic care settings, including the home environment. Their most common use in children is for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
CPAP delivers a constant flow of pressurized air throughout the breathing cycle, resulting in mechanical stenting of the airway and increased functional residual capacity (the volume of air in the lungs at the end of expiration). CPAP does not impact tidal volume (air volume in each breath).

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP)
BIPAP provides 2 different levels of pressure. The inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) provides greater pressure during inhalation to augment tidal volume. The expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) provides lower pressure during exhalation to maintain adequate mean airway pressure and improve functional residual capacity. BIPAP also can be set with a respiratory rate to maintain a certain minimum number of breaths per minute. When BIPAP is used in children to treat conditions other than obstructive sleep apnea, a backup rate is often required.

Indications for CPAP or BIPAP in Children

CPAP or BIPAP may be offered to children whose respiratory systems are compromised by airway obstruction, weakened respiratory muscles, decreased respiratory drive, or lung disease. In the home, CPAP and BIPAP machines are usually used only during sleep. In acute settings, CPAP or BIPAP may be an alternative to endotracheal intubation or weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Home CPAP or BIPAP may be considered for infants and young children weighing ≥5kg under certain clinical circumstances. In these patients, home CPAP/BIPAP should only be initiated under the guidance of an experienced pediatric provider who can evaluate the appropriateness and safety of home PAP therapy.

Indications for Home PAP Therapy

Indications for Hospital CPAP/BIPAP Therapy

• Acute respiratory insufficiency
• Impending respiratory muscle fatigue, usually as a part of acute respiratory illnesses
• Support during weaning of invasive mechanical ventilation

PAP Therapy Alternatives

For some children with OSA, alternatives and adjuncts to PAP therapy may include:

• Removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids (adenotonsillectomy)
• Other surgical interventions to relieve upper airway obstruction (septoplasty, nasal turbinate reduction, lingual tonsillectomy, tongue base reduction, maxillary or mandibular advancement surgery)
• Intranasal corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists
• Orthodontic maxillary expansion
• Weight loss in obese patients
• Tracheostomy in children with very severe OSA or significant upper airway obstruction during wakefulness

Initiation of PAP Therapy

• Children with suspected OSA should have an in-laboratory overnight polysomnogram for diagnosis and assessment of OSA severity prior to initiation of CPAP/BIPAP.
• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published guidelines for age-specific minimum and maximum positive airway pressure settings (see ‘Resources’ below).
• Nasopharyngeal obstruction can lead to substantial discomfort and intolerance of PAP therapy. Prior to initiating CPAP/BIPAP, the prescribing provider should evaluate the patient for nasal obstruction and treat if present.
• A properly fitting mask is required to ensure efficacy and patient comfort. The patient should undergo PAP mask fitting to determine the optimal interface.
• PAP desensitization and long-term adherence require a high patient and caregiver commitment. A strategy for PAP desensitization should be developed with the patient and caregiver and tailored to the child’s developmental and behavioral status.
• The patient and caregiver should receive education and a hands-on demonstration of CPAP/BIPAP device usage. The caregiver should be confident in operating the device.
• Caregiver training and support is a crucial aspect of pediatric CPAP/BIPAP therapy and often requires a multidisciplinary team (may include a clinician, psychologist, respiratory therapist, registered nurse, and/or pediatric sleep technician). Referral to a pediatric sleep center is recommended.

PAP Desensitization

Families may report concerns to the primary care clinician about the child’s difficulty tolerating the equipment. The following desensitization techniques may be considered:

• Modeling: The caregiver models PAP use in the clinic and then at home with the patient during the day.
• Graduated exposure: Introduce the PAP device and allow the child to touch/explore the equipment. Follow this by allowing the mask facepiece to be held in position on the face, then wearing the mask and headgear, followed by wearing the mask attached to PAP tubing with the machine on. Progression to the next step occurs when the child tolerates the current step well.
• Shaping: Gradually increase the amount of time the PAP mask is worn (during the day) or used (PAP machine turned on) during sleep. Use the ramp setting to gradually increase to prescribed pressure each time the device is turned on.
• Positive reinforcement: Give the child praise, caregiver affection, and small rewards for cooperating with wearing the PAP interface. Sticker charts or point systems can enforce nightly PAP use. With selective attention, the caregiver praises the patient for cooperative behavior; negative behavior is ignored.
• Escape prevention: If the child resists and attempts to pull off the mask, the caregiver or clinic staff distract the patient and redirect their hands away from the mask. The caregiver only removes the mask during calm cooperation.
• Distraction/counter-conditioning: Couple PAP therapy or mask use with a fun activity (e.g., as part of playtime, while reading a book, or watching a favorite video) during daytime desensitization or as part of the bedtime routine.
• Relaxation training: Provide the family and patient with instructions on guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and/or diaphragmatic breathing to reduce anxiety and improve comfort when using PAP.

Follow-Up & Evaluation

An overnight polysomnogram for titration of positive airway pressure settings is recommended in children who require home CPAP/BIPAP therapy. The timing of the PAP titration sleep study depends on the child’s age, developmental level, and clinical condition. Younger children and children with developmental disorders may require PAP introduction and desensitization prior to in-lab PAP titration.

Patients using nightly CPAP or BIPAP should regularly be seen by their specialty clinician. They should be encouraged to bring their equipment to clinic visits for verification of settings and troubleshooting treatment adherence. PAP compliance and efficacy data should be reviewed at every visit. Monitoring and addressing therapeutic side effects are also a part of the follow-up. Initial follow-ups may be as frequent as 1-2 times per month. Semiannual or annual follow-up may suffice once the patient has adjusted to therapy and is using PAP every night.

In children, normal growth and development, weight gain or loss, and changes in clinical condition can alter respiratory physiology and airway dynamics. Repeat evaluation with polysomnography and adjustment of PAP settings may be required.

Assessing Patient Response

While many children and families report some improvement in OSA symptoms immediately after a full night of PAP use, it may take up to 3 months of continuous nightly use for the full resolution of daytime impairments. The primary care and specialist clinicians should ask about daytime functioning, energy level, mood, and academic performance during follow-ups. This information should be interpreted with PAP device adherence and efficacy data. Children with refractory symptoms despite good adherence or a re-emergence of OSA symptoms after a good response may require another sleep study to evaluate the efficacy of PAP therapy.

Equipment

CPAP and BIPAP machines deliver a stream of heated, humidified, compressed air via a hose to a contoured mask worn over/under the nose or over the nose and mouth. This “splints” the airway (keeps it open with air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible, reducing and/or preventing apneas (breathing stoppages) and hypopneas (shallow breathing). The masks are secured to the patient using accompanying elastic headgear.

The equipment generally includes:

• Flow generator (PAP machine): Provides continuous flow of pressurized air (measured in cmH2O). The machines are fairly small and quiet, weighing from 2 to 11 lbs. depending on the device and accessories.
• Power supply unit/cord: Most PAP devices are easily portable but require electricity. Patients who require PAP therapy during awake times or around-the-clock may need a more advanced device (home ventilator) with an internal battery for portable use.
• Water chamber/humidifier: Adds moisture and heat to inhaled air. The use of heated humidified air improves most patients’ comfort and helps reduce side effects such as nose bleeds, dry mouth, voice changes, cough, and congestion.
• Air filter: Needs to be changed regularly.
• Hose/tubing: Tubing can be standard (non-heated) or heated. Heated tubing contains a heating coil to maintain air temperature and decrease condensation.
• Mask: (see images below): For non-invasive ventilation to be effective, a good mask fit and seal are crucial. There are several types of PAP masks that a sleep specialist may offer based on the child’s needs and preferences:
  • Nasal mask: Covers the nose only
  • Nasal pillow mask: Covers the nares only
  • Oronasal mask (full face mask): Covers the mouth and nose
  • Hybrid or minimal contact oronasal mask: Covers the mouth and nose, but the top of the mask rests under the nares (similar to nasal pillows)
  Nasal Pillow PAP MaskNasal CPAP MaskOronasal Full-Face Mask

Care & Maintenance

The care and maintenance required for PAP machines vary and are specified in the device instruction manual.

The PAP mask and hose should be washed weekly with gentle soap and warm water. The mask cushion (point of mask-face contact) should be wiped daily. The PAP mask and tubing should be examined for damage or leaks and replaced if present. Headgear should be washed as needed by hand. Generally, the PAP mask cushions should be replaced 1-2 times per month. The remainder of the mask and the PAP hose should be replaced every 3-6 months.

The humidifier water chamber should be emptied every morning, rinsed with mild soap and warm water, and dried thoroughly. Distilled water should be used for PAP humidification. The water chamber should be replaced about every 6 months.

PAP machines contain disposable and/or non-disposable filters. Disposable filters may need to be changed every 2 weeks to every 2 months, depending on ambient air quality. Non-disposable filters should be changed every 6 months.

Cleaning devices that use ozone or ultraviolet light are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not recommended for the care of home PAP devices.

Troubleshooting

• The PAP mask should be comfortable and appropriately sized for the patient’s face. It should not leak excessive air when attached to the hose and compressor. Noise that interferes with sleep is usually a sign of excessive air leak.
• A loose mask results in ineffective pressure delivery, excessive air leaks, and displacement during patient movement. A mask worn too tightly leads to air leaks through distortion of the mask-to-skin interface. Excessive pressure on the skin and facial bones also may increase the risk of skin breakdown and midface deformity.
• The use of protective barriers for skin may be considered if there is skin irritation.
• Eye irritation related to the mask or leaking air can be treated with lubricating drops, correcting the leak, and/or increasing humidification.
• PAP humidification, nasal hydration drops, nasal sinus rinse, and/or an intranasal steroid spray should be considered in patients with nasal dryness, congestion, or occasional nosebleeds.
• Most PAP machines have a “ramp” setting that initially delivers a set minimum pressure when turned on, followed by a gradual increase to the prescribed pressure.
• Some patients may experience difficulty exhaling when wearing PAP. Many devices have an “exhalation relief” setting that decreases the pressure at a set value (from 1-3 cmH2O) during exhalation.
• Mask liners may be used to prevent excess air leakage and reduce skin irritation and dermatitis.
• Flexible chin straps may be used in patients with nasal PAP masks to prevent excessive air leaks from open-mouth breathing. The straps are elastic enough that the patient can easily open their mouth if necessary.
• If the patient is experiencing suboptimal oxygen levels, oxygen can be delivered into the machine or mask using a supplemental oxygen adapter.
• Oronasal masks are generally avoided in children at high risk of aspiration.

Cost & Coverage of PAP

Depending on the device, costs to purchase CPAP/BIPAP systems can range from $500 to $8,000. Patients also can rent the equipment. Many major insurers, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover the cost of the technology for a range of diagnoses. Clinicians and patients are urged to contact the insurer to determine their specific guidelines. Although medical literature supports therapeutic effectiveness, FDA approval of pediatric home CPAP/BIPAP equipment is limited. In compliance with such guidelines, home care companies may refuse to cover certain patients, resulting in difficulty with patient access to care. 

Resources

Studies

Clinical Trials Related to PAP Therapy for Children and Adolescents (clinicaltrials.gov)

Helpful Articles

Parmar A, Baker A, Narang I.
Positive airway pressure in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
Paediatr Respir Rev. 2019;31:43-51. 

Harford KL, Jambhekar S, Com G, Pruss K, Kabour M, Jones K, Ward WL.
Behaviorally based adherence program for pediatric patients treated with positive airway pressure.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2013;18(1):151-63. 

Hady KK, Okorie CUA.
Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Children (Basel). 2021;8(11).

Marcus CL, Brooks LJ, Draper KA, Gozal D, Halbower AC, Jones J, Schechter MS, Sheldon SH, Spruyt K, Ward SD, Lehmann C, Shiffman RN.
Diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):576-84. 
Practice guideline focusing on uncomplicated childhood OSAS, (OSAS associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and/or obesity in an otherwise healthy child); American Academy of Pediatrics.

Kushida CA, Chediak A, Berry RB, Brown LK, Gozal D, Iber C, Parthasarathy S, Quan SF, Rowley JA.
Clinical guidelines for the manual titration of positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(2):157-71. 

Authors & Reviewers

Initial publication: January 2010; last update/revision: June 2022

Current Authors and Reviewers:

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