What Is Non-Invasive Ventilation?
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) supports breathing without requiring a breathing tube in the windpipe. This gentler approach uses external devices to deliver air pressure through a mask, improving lung function and easing breathing effort.
How Non-Invasive Ventilation Delivers Support
Non-invasive ventilation provides pressurized air to the lungs through a sealed mask, typically covering the nose or both nose and mouth. A ventilator machine generates airflow, delivered via tubing to the patient’s airway, assisting with inhalation and sometimes exhalation.
The machine applies positive pressure, which helps to keep the airways open and push air into the lungs. Two common forms of NIV are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). CPAP delivers a single, continuous pressure setting throughout both inhalation and exhalation, primarily used to prevent airway collapse. BiPAP provides two distinct pressure levels: a higher pressure during inhalation (inspiratory positive airway pressure, IPAP) and a lower pressure during exhalation (expiratory positive airway pressure, EPAP). This bilevel pressure can reduce the work of breathing more effectively and assist with carbon dioxide removal.
Medical Conditions Benefiting from Non-Invasive Ventilation
NIV treats acute or chronic respiratory distress from various medical conditions. It is commonly used for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reducing breathing effort and improving gas exchange. Another application is acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, where fluid builds in the lungs due to heart failure. NIV helps push fluid out of airways and improves oxygenation.
NIV prevents the need for more invasive procedures, such as intubation and mechanical ventilation. Avoiding intubation lowers risks of complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia and vocal cord injury. This allows for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays for many patients.
What to Expect While Receiving Non-Invasive Ventilation
Patients experience a continuous flow of air pressure, which can feel unusual at first. The mask must fit securely to prevent air leaks; healthcare providers ensure a comfortable seal. Some patients may notice the machine’s consistent, low hum.
Unlike intubated patients, individuals on NIV can typically communicate verbally by briefly removing the mask or speaking through it. They are also able to eat and drink, usually by temporarily taking off the mask. Healthcare staff monitor the patient’s breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and comfort, adjusting ventilator settings and mask fit to optimize treatment.