Using CPAP treatment for Covid

Researchers have revealed that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines — the existing medical treatment — are saving lives of patients hospitalised with Covid-19. CPAP machines use mild air pressure to keep the airways open and are typically used by patients who have breathing problems during sleep.

“We show that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the first days of hospitalisation seems to save between 10 per cent to 20 per cent of patients,” said study author Luigi Sedda of Lancaster University in the UK.

“However, it is important to underline that this was a pilot study with a small sample size, although comforting evidence is starting to emerge elsewhere,” Sedda added.

For the study, published in the journal BMJ Respiratory Open, the research team used the CPAP machines on patients with Covid-19 admitted to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.

In the case of patients with the severe acute respiratory syndrome, Covid-19 may cause the lungs to swell and collapse.

Using CPAP treatment, which is often used at home to help people with sleep problems, helps to keep the lungs open and makes breathing easier.