An embodiment of the present invention is a nasal cannula for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) to a patients nares during operative procedures or in critical care areas. A malleable metal or plastic is encased in the bridge of the cannula to allow it to be shaped to the patients face. As a result of contouring the cannula to the face, air leaks are minimized allowing a seal to be provided when an op site is applied to cover the upper lip, nasal cannula and nose. The cannulas nasal inserts can end in nontapered or slightly tapered non-sealing beads, which may be slightly angled out to accommodate various facial anatomies. When approximately several liters per minute of oxygen are flowed through the cannula, CPAP is obtained.
