What does cmH2O stand for?

cmH2O stands for centimeters of water, which is a unit of measurement commonly used in medical settings to express pressure. Specifically, it references the height of a column of water that produces a specific pressure at the base of that column. In respiratory therapy and related medical fields, cmH2O is frequently used to measure pressures in various applications, such as in mechanical ventilation settings or evaluating airway resistance.

Using centimeters of water as a unit is advantageous because it directly correlates to the density of water and how it behaves under pressure, offering clinicians a straightforward way to gauge pressure levels in respiratory and gas administration practices. Other units of pressure exist, such as mmHg (millimeters of mercury), but cmH2O is particularly relevant in contexts where respiratory mechanics are discussed, allowing easy comparison and interpretation of data.