BiPAP
Pronunciation: BY-pap
Also written as: BiPAP — Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure
Bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation providing different pressure levels during inspiration and expiration for non-invasive respiratory support.
Full Definition
Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a form of non-invasive ventilatory support that provides two distinct pressure levels: a higher pressure during inspiration (IPAP - inspiratory positive airway pressure) and a lower pressure during expiration (EPAP - expiratory positive airway pressure). In pediatric pulmonology, BiPAP is used for patients with respiratory failure, sleep-disordered breathing, neuromuscular weakness, or those requiring ventilatory support but who can maintain their own respiratory drive. The pressure differential assists with ventilation while the expiratory pressure helps maintain functional residual capacity. BiPAP can be delivered through various interfaces including nasal masks, full-face masks, or nasal pillows, depending on the patient's age and tolerance. The therapy allows for better patient comfort and communication compared to invasive mechanical ventilation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as abbreviation; trademark term, though often used generically.
In Context
- "The adolescent with muscular dystrophy was started on nocturnal BiPAP for hypoventilation." — Sleep medicine consultation note
- "BiPAP settings were adjusted to IPAP 16 and EPAP 6 to optimize ventilatory support." — Respiratory therapy documentation