The nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (NEPAP) device has been used to treat OSAS in adults. A disposable device is placed in each nostril at night and attached with adhesive. The device acts as a one-way valve, during inspiration the valve opens, with negligible resistance to flow. During expiration, the valve closes and airflow is directed through small air channels, increasing resistance. The increased resistance helps to maintain the upper airway pressure during the critical end-expiratory period when the upper airway has been found to be most narrow in the breaths preceding an apnea event. In contrast to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) which provides positive pressure during both inspiration and expiration, NEPAP creates pressure during expiration. NEPAP is a potential alternative therapy which is less cumbersome than CPAP and may increase adherence.
