Sometimes a little more airway support may be required and that’s where the ExVent valve comes into play. ExVent  is a microvalve that is inserted into the ‘duckbill’ of the O2Vent W or Optima.

The valve opens when breathing in and closes when breathing out.  The valve has small openings on the flaps to allow you to breathe out. The small openings in the valve allow for air to pass through when breathing out, but slower than normal.  The slower breathing out creates a slight back pressure in the upper airway, this is called positive end expiratory pressure or PEEP.

The back pressure is maintained until the start of the next inspiration. This is helpful as the airway may become narrower right before breathing in again. By creating PEEP the ExVent helps support the airway.