Final answer:
Long-term airway support is commonly provided by CPAP devices and ventilators, with endotracheal intubation used in critical cases to maintain an open airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
Devices used for long-term airway support include the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device and ventilators. CPAP devices may be recommended for conditions like sleep apnea, where a mask fits over the nose or mouth and pumps air to keep airways open. In contrast, ventilators are often used in critical care, such as for infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), to mechanically assist with breathing when patients cannot breathe on their own. A third alternative for certain conditions includes endotracheal intubation, where a tube is placed into the trachea to maintain an open airway to the lungs. Such treatments are crucial for maintaining proper oxygenation and ensuring patient survival when spontaneous breathing is compromised.