Positive pressure breathing refers to using a specific device to regulate breathing. This is typically done when certain medical conditions cause difficulties with breathing. Air is pushed through a facial mask or an airway pressure system. The air and gases within the lungs are then balanced and the breathing can return to normal. Positive pressure breathing can help to eliminate life-threatening situations that can arise from not enough pressure within the lungs.

Positive pressure breathing should not be confused with negative pressure breathing, which consists of lung expansion by way of the diaphragm. When the pressure within the lungs stays the same and air moves freely in and out of the lungs, negative pressure is applied. Positive pressure breathing is forcing air into the lungs to improve any pressure issues. Most problems with breathing and pressure occur when a person is sleeping because he is unable to regulate breathing on his own.

Snoring doesn’t seem like it would be a life-threatening medical condition but it sometimes is. This can be due to obesity, which puts pressure on the muscle tissues, or due to overly large adenoids or tonsils. The conditions can produce pressure and a loud snoring noise. The throat muscles and surrounding tissues become relaxed and when a breath is taken, they vibrate. These vibrations can interrupt normal breathing patterns and if the snoring continues for a long period of time, there is a higher risk for a heart attack or a stroke.

Another medical condition that can arise from irregular breathing is sleep apnea. Typically, while a person is asleep, breathing is rhythmic and steady. During a sleep apnea episode, an interruption of normal breathing occurs when a breath is taken in for too long. It can be so long that the next rhythmic breath is skipped. This can result in gasping for air and not being able to completely fill the lungs.

When positive pressure breathing is needed to correct either of these conditions, a mask or breathing tube is used to deliver the air into the lungs. Most people who are suffering with these conditions may have to use these devices for an extended period of time to avoid difficulties, especially during surgical procedures. Positive pressure breathing is only used for people with occasional pressure problems. People who are struggling to breathe due to lung disease or a severe lung condition typically only use negative pressure breathing to keep air circulating within the lungs.