Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP)
What is Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP)?
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) is a form of temporary respiratory support for patients that have difficulty breathing. The purpose of BIPAP is to provide oxygen and pressure, thereby making it easier for the patient to breathe. Each time the patient breathes, the BIPAP machine assists the patient by applying air pressure to the lungs while the patient is breathing out (exhaling or expiration) in order to hold open the air sacs in the lungs. The BIPAP machine is a small, bedside respiratory machine connected to tubing and a facemask.
Does the use of BIPAP hurt?
The use of BIPAP does not hurt. Although the BIPAP machine is relatively quiet, the patient can always feel or hear the air rushing.
Are there any potential complications associated with use of BIPAP?
Complications associated with BIPAP include mask discomfort, skin sores around the mask, and bloating from swallowing air.
BIPAP delivered by a face mask
