Non-invasive Positive Airway Pressure Ventilation: CPAP and BiPAP

Mechanical ventilation is of two types: Invasive and Non-invasive. Invasive mechanical ventilation involves endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. This requires sedation, involves the risk of infection, has major complications and is also extremely uncomfortable for the patient. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) includes Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). NIPPV reduces the risk of infection and complications and has the added advantage of patient comfort. However, it should be noted that, for the use of NIPPV, the patient should be breathing spontaneously.