If a patient on CPAP at 11 cwp continues to snore, what is the recommended action?

If a patient on CPAP at 11 cwp continues to snore, what is the recommended action?

• A. Lower the CPAP to 10 cwp
• B. Switch to BIPAP 15/10 cwp
• C. Raise the CPAP to 12 cwp
• D. Do nothing. Snoring is not treated by CPAP

Answer: (C)

Snoring that continues at a CPAP pressure means the airway isn’t fully splinted open yet. CPAP works by keeping the upper airway open with continuous positive pressure, so if snoring persists at 11 cm H2O, a small increase can often tighten the airway enough to stop vibration. Raising the pressure to about 12 cm H2O is a common next step because it provides a bit more airway support without changing the mode or making the device more complicated. Lowering the pressure would likely worsen snoring, and switching to BiPAP is typically reserved for situations where two pressures or ventilation support are needed, not simply for residual snoring. Doing nothing leaves the problem unaddressed, so a careful, gradual pressure increase is the recommended approach. If snoring persists after the adjustment, further titration or evaluation may be needed.

Snoring that continues at a CPAP pressure means the airway isn’t fully splinted open yet. CPAP works by keeping the upper airway open with continuous positive pressure, so if snoring persists at 11 cm H2O, a small increase can often tighten the airway enough to stop vibration. Raising the pressure to about 12 cm H2O is a common next step because it provides a bit more airway support without changing the mode or making the device more complicated. Lowering the pressure would likely worsen snoring, and switching to BiPAP is typically reserved for situations where two pressures or ventilation support are needed, not simply for residual snoring. Doing nothing leaves the problem unaddressed, so a careful, gradual pressure increase is the recommended approach. If snoring persists after the adjustment, further titration or evaluation may be needed.