This one-hour webinar will describe KairosPAP (KPAP), a novel way to deliver the minimum pressure needed across the respiratory cycle to keep the pharyngeal airway patent during sleep.

Kairos is a Greek word meaning “at the right time,” and, in this context, it means positive airway pressure at the right time across the respiratory cycle.

First, previous attempts to improve CPAP comfort (BiPAP, C-Flex, and EPR) will be discussed and why they negatively affected airway patency and did not improve adherence.

Next, the concept of reducing IPAP to less than EPAP will be addressed first with a full discussion of the effect of a simple resistor (V-Com, approximately 2 cm H20/L/s) placed in the PAP tubing, which lowers IPAP by about 2 cm H20. This resistor did not affect PAP efficacy, reduced leak, improved adherence, and eliminated TECSA when present.

Finally, the full KPAP algorithm will be explained, followed by a discussion of ongoing studies assessing its effect on PAP efficacy and perceived comfort.

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand why lowering Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP, C-Flex, EPR) compromises the pharyngeal airway and does not lead to improved adherence. Participants will grasp the benefit of lowering inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) by 2 cm H20 with a simple in-line resistor.
The rationale and description of the new PAP pressure algorithm will be explained, and its efficacy and comfort will be outlined compared to CPAP.