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.
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BIPAP delivered by a face mask |
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Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure
(BIPAP) 
