A typical modern CPAP also takes measurements, and makes limited adjustments based on what it sees. It doesn't just pump air. Not that it's as capable as a real ventilator, but it's not just a simple air pump, either.
You also need to warm and humidify the air because ventilators are inserted past the part of your respiratory system that does that.
Many (most?) CPAP's do that. When you have to fill the reservoir every night you get an interesting perspective on the amount of water you breathe in eight hours.
I assume a CPAP could only ever be hacked into being some form of non-invasive ventilator, not the kind where you are intubated. But I may be 100% wrong.
In any case, a standard Resmed CPAP like the one in the article has a humidifier built in, and if you buy the optional heated hose, it can heat the air too. The tank is kinda small on the humidifier, so you'd have to refill it pretty often. Probably want to hack it into having a lot more volume, if you need the humidity.
