Test Bench for Pressure Calibration of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Device for Sleep Apnea Applications

Aim of this study was the experimental characterization of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device used for the treatment Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). In particular, the airflow vs. pressure characteristic for devices with different operating hours was obtained with a test bench able to simulate different obstructive levels. The study has confirmed the influence of operating hours on this characteristic, in particular, it has been observed that increasing this parameter value, it is necessary an effective pressure increase to ensure the same airflow to the patient. This may suggest that the pressure sensors inside the CPAP may lose their calibration and therefore that a periodic check and calibration would be required, even though the device is declared as a self-calibrating.