Efficient CPAP – solving high oxygen use and system inefficiencies in non-invasive ventilation through novel valve design

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems offer a way elevating blood oxygen without having to resort to invasive ventilation. Air mixed with oxygen is pumped through a sealed mask which the patient breathes through. Unused air and oxygen and that which is breathed out, passes through a special PEEP valve which maintains the pressure in the system. All waste oxygen is simply vented into the room in which CPAP is being used. This is wasteful and in times of high use (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic) means oxygen supplies can run out. Hospital systems loose pressure, jeopardising everyone's treatment. There is also a substantial fire risk due to elevated oxygen levels in the treatment environment.

Millfield Medical Respiration have developed a new design for CPAP, efficient CPAP, which uses a new type of valve to control oxygen flow more easily, reducing its consumption by up to 80%, while maintaining oxygen flow to the patient when it is needed. Our design should produce a CPAP which is more efficient and just as affordable as current machines, suitable for mass use, including in areas with low oxygen supplies, or high volumes of patients needing treatment.