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BiPAP
The Respironics BiPap is an electrically powered and microprocessor controlled ventilatory support device. It is driven by a compressor blower and has a single gas flow delivery system. This system produces a decelerating gas flow pattern which in turn shows a square wave pressure waveform. Inspiration can be triggered by flow or time and is cycled by time or flow.
The three modes are spontaneous, spontaneous/timed, and timed. The spontaneous mode is most like pressure support with CPAP on conventional ventilators. The spontaneous/timed mode is somewhat like assist control on conventional ventilators. It should be noted that in this mode, expiration is flow cycled. Also, inspiration is flow triggered if the patient is assisting, and when the patient is not assisting, inspiration is time cycled. Finally, timed mode is similar to a control mode on a conventional ventilator in that inspiration is time triggered and time cycled.
The Respironics BiPap delivers a continuous flow of gas by way of a compressor blower rather than a piston. Flow and pressure are controlled by an electromagnetically operated solenoid valve. Inspiratory and expiratory time are controlled by the microprocessor. As gas is exhaled, it passes by the flow transducer that gives feedback to the microprocessor which in turn controls the solenoid valve.
When BiPap is ordered it is generally delivered with a nasal mask. Different sizes are available, depending on what fits the patient. The next most popular mode of delivery is nasal prongs. If the patient is having trouble keeping his/her mouth closed during nasal delivery and a chin strap does not help, a full face mask may be used.
