What type of respiratory support is a BiPAP machine?

The BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine provides non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, making it an effective option for patients experiencing respiratory distress or conditions such as sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This type of support delivers two distinct pressure levels: a higher pressure during inhalation to help the patient breathe in and a lower pressure during exhalation to ease the patient's effort in breathing out.

Because BiPAP is designed to assist with breathing while maintaining an open airway without the need for intubation or other invasive procedures, it is categorized as non-invasive. This distinguishes it from options that involve invasive mechanical ventilation, which typically requires an endotracheal tube or similar device, and is not limited to merely providing supplemental oxygen or standard oxygen therapy.

Understanding the BiPAP's non-invasive nature is crucial in clinical settings, as it highlights the ability to provide effective respiratory support while minimizing potential complications associated with invasive techniques.