Bipap

BiPAP

BiPAP (pronounced "bye-pap"), or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, is a type of non-invasive ventilation used in the management of respiratory failure, particularly in patients with sleep apnea or COPD.

Pronunciation

BiPAP: /ˈbaɪpæp/

Etymology

The term BiPAP is an acronym derived from its full name, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure.

Function

The BiPAP device delivers two levels of pressure: a higher pressure during inhalation (IPAP) and a lower pressure during exhalation (EPAP). This dual pressure mechanism helps to maintain open airways in patients who have difficulty breathing due to conditions such as sleep apnea or COPD.

Related Terms

• Non-invasive ventilation: A method of supporting a patient's breathing without the need for intubation or a tracheostomy.
• Sleep apnea: A serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep.
• COPD: A type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.
• IPAP: The pressure applied during the inhalation phase in bilevel positive airway pressure.
• EPAP: The pressure applied during the exhalation phase in bilevel positive airway pressure.

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