During a bilevel titration, the ________ is increased to eliminate apneas?

During a bilevel titration, increasing the EPAP (expiratory positive airway pressure) is effective in eliminating apneas, especially in cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The EPAP serves as a baseline pressure that keeps the upper airway open during exhalation, which helps prevent airway collapse. In instances where the airway tends to close off during sleep, raising the EPAP can help maintain patency and reduce or eliminate apneas.

While IPAP (inspiratory positive airway pressure) primarily increases ventilation and helps with the inhalation phase, it is the EPAP that is critical for addressing apneas associated with airway obstruction. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) maintains a constant pressure throughout both inhalation and exhalation but does not provide the dual pressure therapy that bilevel devices offer. AutoPAP adjusts pressure automatically based on detected events, but during titration, specific adjustments to EPAP are often necessary to effectively treat apneas observed during the study. Thus, in the context of addressing apneas, increasing the EPAP is the appropriate adjustment.