The device has a breathing gas source (21) for providing inspiratory positive airway pressure, and a sensor unit (22) for detecting pressure and/or flow values of breathing gas. A processor unit (23) processes values detected by the sensor unit, and a control unit (25) controls the source based on functions determined by a control panel (2) and an interface (8). The control unit triggers the source to pressure drop in the range of 30-300 hectopascal per second in a phase and triggers the source to another pressure drop in the range of smaller than 30 hectopascal per second in another phase. An independent claim is also included for a method for reducing inspiratory positive airway pressure to expiratory positive airway pressure or positive end-expiratory pressure.
