[MM2007]

Hello, would someone be able to explain how bipap works, and what settings you would normally commence a patient on.

Thanks.

[sharrie]

Hi MM, BiPAP stands for Bi-level positive airway pressure, and it can be used for patients who require total ventilation or for those who require a little positive airway support. From what I understand (and it's been a while since I did any ICU so stand corrected if it is not quite right) BiPAP is a form of ventilation that provides positive pressure ventilation when required but allows for patients own breathing allowing them almost to almost self wean when thier condition allows.

The levels of ventilation would depend on the type of patient you have and the reason ventilation was required so it is difficult to answer that question.

[fatoma]

It is a type of noninvasive mechanical ventilation via nasal or facial mask.PSV which is used to augment patient's inspiratory effort, and the pt can cotrol his or her rate, inspiratory flow, and Vt, in combination with PEEP in order to increase alveolar ventilation and decreases Paco2