• Indian Institute of Technology-Ropar has developed a device ‘Jivan Vayu’ which can be used as a substitute for CPAP machine. 

• It is said to be the first such device in the country which functions even without electricity and can be adapted to both kinds of oxygen generation units like O2 cylinders and oxygen pipelines in hospitals. 

• These provisions are not available in existing CPAP machines. 

What is CPAP?

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment method for patients having breathing problems during sleep called sleep apnea. 

• The machine uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open for easy breathing. 

• It is also used to treat infants whose lungs have not fully developed. The machine blows air into the baby’s nose to help inflate his or her lungs. 

• The treatment is all necessary during early stages of the COVID-19 infection. It reduces lung damage and allows patients to recover from the inflammatory effects.

• This leak-proof, low-cost CPAP delivery system is designed for a 22 mm CPAP closed circuit tube. It can even be customised as per the size of the tube. Since it can run during power failures, this can be used to safely transport a patient. 

• It has an inbuilt viral filter at the air entrainment end which has a viral efficacy of 99.99 per cent. The viral filter ensures that the air does not bring in any pathogens from the environment. The device has been manufactured using 3D printing and has also been tested mechanically.

• The device is designed to maintain fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of above 40 per cent with a PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) of 5-20 cm H2O.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store