Definition: Noninvasive ventilation, such as CPAP or BiPAP, is an alternative to invasive, mechanical ventilation for patients who have chronic respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure and can no longer breathe adequately on their own.
Noninvasive ventilation provides ventilatory support to a patient through the upper airways. It enhances the breathing process by giving the patient a mixture of air and oxygen from a flow generator through a tightly fitted facial or nasal mask. Also known as Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV), noninvasive ventilation assists the patient in taking a full breath and helps to maintain an adequate oxygen supply to the body.
Noninvasive ventilation is not appropriate for every patient and is not always successful. Only your doctor can determine if you are a candidate for noninvasive ventilation.
Also Known As: Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
