Abbreviations: BPAP, BiPAP
A noninvasive form of ventilation that maintains two different levels of positive pressure in the airway, such as a higher level (e.g., 10 mm Hg) during inspiration and a lower level (e.g., 4 mm Hg) during expiration. Commonly used to treat acute exacerbations of COPD and asthma. Maintaining a slightly positive pressure prevents airway collapse, decreases the work of breathing, improves alveolar ventilation, and increases the diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the blood.