There is no problem with cpap.
Filters are available for the machines and tubes that lead to and away from the facemask.
CPAP is a good start for any patient that has a spontaneous inspirtory drive and acceptable work of breathing.
The problem for the COVID patients is more so oxygenation then ventilation (this is a technical complication of the disease were studies have shown that focusing on O2 with an elevated CO2 is better in the long run then trying to ventilate the lung to normal CO2 levels as the volume of air needed to do this effectively can do more damage to the lung).
CPAP helps O2 absorbtion in the lungs by maintaining a generally elevated pressure that pushes O2 into the alveolar sacs for perfusion without requiring a concentration of O2 that might create a fibrotic lung.
If the patient passes a certain threshold of respiratory distress and work of breathing they will need to be intubated to carry on the same O2/Co2 strategy above to protect the lung from further damage.
After intubation is when a real ventilator will be needed.
Ventilators can be very simple so long as people are aware the patient will be out like fashion so the ventilator can do its thing and medical staff monitor the patients vital systems. This is not always ideal as voluntary spontaneous movement of the patient can help relieve some of the neuro and physiological lung issues they are experiencing.
Ideally everything done for the patient as soon as they hit the ward is to keep them off a ventilator for their own and others best outcomes.
CPAP is a good start for any patient that has a spontaneous inspirtory drive and acceptable work of breathing.
The problem for the COVID patients is more so oxygenation then ventilation (this is a technical complication of the disease were studies have shown that focusing on O2 with an elevated CO2 is better in the long run then trying to ventilate the lung to normal CO2 levels as the volume of air needed to do this effectively can do more damage to the lung).
CPAP helps O2 absorbtion in the lungs by maintaining a generally elevated pressure that pushes O2 into the alveolar sacs for perfusion without requiring a concentration of O2 that might create a fibrotic lung.
If the patient passes a certain threshold of respiratory distress and work of breathing they will need to be intubated to carry on the same O2/Co2 strategy above to protect the lung from further damage.
After intubation is when a real ventilator will be needed. Ventilators can be very simple so long as people are aware the patient will be out like fashion so the ventilator can do its thing and medical staff monitor the patients vital systems. This is not always ideal as voluntary spontaneous movement of the patient can help relieve some of the neuro and physiological lung issues they are experiencing.
Ideally everything done for the patient as soon as they hit the ward is to keep them off a ventilator for their own and others best outcomes.