What range of EPAP levels may support the recruitment of collapsed alveoli?

The range of EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) levels that can effectively support the recruitment of collapsed alveoli is typically between 4 to 6 cmH2O. This level of EPAP is sufficient to generate enough pressure to reopen collapsed or atelectatic lung units, facilitating better ventilation-perfusion matching and improving overall lung function.

At this level, EPAP works to create a back pressure during expiration that helps keep the airways open and reduces the risk of alveolar collapse upon exhalation. The pressure is enough to maintain patency in the smaller airways and alveoli, allowing for gas exchange to occur more efficiently.

In clinical practice, higher levels of EPAP (such as 8-10 cmH2O) could potentially lead to over-distension of some alveoli and may not be as effective in recruiting more collapsed alveoli compared to the 4-6 cmH2O range. Lower levels (such as 1-3 cmH2O) are typically not sufficient to recruit collapsed alveoli, as they do not provide adequate pressure to overcome the forces that tend to collapse the lung units.

Therefore, the 4-6 cmH2O range is optimal for achieving the intended