What is a key consideration when applying CPAP therapy?

When applying CPAP therapy, it is crucial that patients are able to breathe on their own. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is designed to provide a continuous flow of air that keeps the airways open, primarily used for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or in certain cases of respiratory distress. If a patient cannot breathe independently, they may require more invasive forms of ventilation, such as mechanical ventilation, instead of CPAP which relies on the patient's ability to initiate and control their own ventilation.

This aspect of patient capability is fundamental, as the effectiveness of CPAP depends on the patient maintaining spontaneous breaths against the positive pressure. The other considerations regarding patient positioning, the use of supplemental oxygen, and patient demographics are important in their own right but do not pertain as directly to the safety and functionality of CPAP therapy as ensuring that the patient can adequately breathe without assistance.