The document provides an educational overview of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), including the definitions, indications, and contraindications for CPAP and BiPAP, as well as important adjustments and monitoring aspects. It outlines the necessity of team collaboration among nurses and respiratory therapists for effective patient care while highlighting settings and patient considerations for successful implementation of these therapies. Key operational guidelines and pitfalls are also detailed to prevent complications during the use of NIV and NPPV.

1. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
&
Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
(NPPV)
Presented By
Michael S. Allen, RRT
Updated: October 24, 2019
This presentation is intended for educational purpose only.

2. NIV & NPPV
 Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV):
Term used to describe CPAP but can also be used for BiPAP
 Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV):
Positive pressure used to ventilate (via BVM, BiPAP, or IPPB device)

3. Disclaimer:
 This presentation is not a competency check-off, but an educational overview of
NIV/NPPV.
 Brand names with ® ™ © are mentioned only for the purpose of explaining
equipment used at this hospital and not intended to promote a specific brand.
 Nurses and RTs are part of a team to help each other in the care of the patient.
Building RN – RT rapport is essential.
http://www.aarc.org/careers/career-advice/professional-development/earning-respect/
https://www.respiratorytherapyzone.com/respiratory-therapist-vs-nurse/

4. Leaning Objective
 What is CPAP (aka NIV)
 What is BiPAP (aka NPPV)
 What patient type will use CPAP or BiPAP
 Indications & Contraindications
 Device types
 Implementing Therapy
 Patient Success and Failure

5. What is CPAP?
CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure
• Air flow that is given as a constant
pressure, measured in cmH20. (see
next slide)
• Patient will breathe normally above
set pressure.
• Note: this mode is only for a
spontaniously breathing individual.
• CPAP is used for OSA, Atelectasis,
CHF, and improving oxygenation. (see
next slide)
• CPAP does not help with ventilation
(CO2 removal).
PEEP or EPAP = Positive End Expiratory Pressure, which is
the alveolar pressure before inspiratory flow begins.
Adding PEEP helps decrease the amount of work required to
initiate a breath. It also helps to decrease atelectasis.

6. What is CPAP continued:
CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure
• Air flow that is given as a constant
pressure, measured in cmH20.
• By maintaining a PEEP, the CPAP
helps to expand the alveoli thus
increasing surface area for gas
exchange improving oxygen
delivery.
• CPAP can increase intrathoracic
pressure which will decrease
preload, thereby decreasing cardiac
workload

7. What is CPAP continued:
Indications
 CPAP:
 Decreases with low functional residual
capacity (FRC)
 People with OSA
 Pulmonary edema
 Fluid overload/Congestive heart failure
 Augment oxygenation in the presence of
refractory hypoxemia [PaO2 < 60mm HG, or
SaO2 < 90% with FiO2 > 60%]
 Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
 Weaning from mechanical ventilation
Contraindications
 CPAP:
 Patient is in respiratory arrest
 Patient is suspected of having a
pneumothorax
 Patient has a tracheostomy
 Patient is vomiting
 Patient has to be spontaneously
breathing – device will not breathe
for them.

8. What is NPPV?
BiPAP = Bi-Level Positive Airway
Pressure
Bi-level: Cycled ventilation between
Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure
(IPAP) and Expiratory Positive Airway
Pressure (EPAP/PEEP).
Note: BiPAP is a ® ™ of Respironics Corporation and Bi-
level or NIV/NPPV is the non-trademark verbiage.
• Uses an exhalation pressure (EPAP
or PEEP) to keep airways open, but
also uses an inspiratory pressure
(IPAP) to aid in an opening pressure
to assist the patient in taking a
deeper breath in.
• Pressure support (PS) is the
difference between the IPAP and the
EPAP. With PS, the lungs will be able
to expand more to allow increased
ventilation (clearing of CO2).
20
10
0
IPAP = 12
EPAP = 4
PS = 8

9. NPPV Use
Indications
 Bi-level:
 Respiratory failure due to accessory muscle
fatigue
 Acute hypercapnia/hypercarbia & CO2
retention
 COPD to decrease airway resistance,
thereby decreasing work of breathing
required to take in an adequate tidal volume
 May be used in hypoventilation syndrome for
the morbidly obese patient in acute situations
Contraindications
 Bi-level:
 Decreased LOC that prevents the
patient’s ability to protect his/her
own airway
 Inability to maintain a patent airway
or adequately clear secretions
 Non-compliant patient
 Gastric distention
 Increased intracranial pressure
 Pulmonary barotraumas
 Cardiovascular compromise

10. “Bi-level” IPAP & EPAP settings
• IPAP setting can be adjusted to achieve the desired CO2 level and tidal volume.
• Pressures above 20 cm H2O usually are not well tolerated and increase the risk of gastric distension and
vomiting.
• Most patients will swallow some air during noninvasive ventilation and it is usually not a problem unless
peak pressure exceeds 20 cmH2O.
• In most patients, the placement of a nasogastric tube is not necessary.
• Typically, start EPAP at 4 cm H2O and increase to meet oxygenation goals.
• Pressure support equals the difference between IPAP and EPAP. Similar to conventional ventilation, this
value affects the volume delivered to the patient.
• A backup rate may be provided in the event the patient becomes apnic.
• If the backup rate is set to high, it may override the patient’s own effort to initiate a breath. This could trigger
the apnea alarm to sound. Consider setting the back up rate to 8.

11. Suggested Bi-level settings
 Values are from an ABG (not VBG):
 These NPPV settings are not an absolute, but are suggested settings.
 If using a VBG during NPPV, keep SvO2 at 75%; PvO2 at 40 mmHg
pH PaCO2 PaO2 HCO3
- BiPAP
7.38 65 80 40 compensated, no intervention
7.32 50 60 24 10/5
7.30 65 55 28 12/6
7.28 70 50 30 14/8
7.20 120 48 43 16/10
• If Ph lower than 7.20, consider intubation.
• Also evaluate patient’s LOC, RR, and WOB.
ABG vs. VBG … the controversy:
https://epmonthly.com/article/blood-gases-abg-vs-vbg/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660085/
https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/clia-faqs.pdf
http://www.rcjournal.com/cpgs/pdf/blood_gas_hexometry.pdf
https://www.respiratorytherapyzone.com/abg-interpretation/
ABG VBG
pH 7.35-7.45 pH 7.32-7.42
PaCO2 35-45 PvCO2 40-52
PaO2 80-100 PvO2 30-48
HCO3
- 22-28 HCO3
- 19-25
SaO2 95-100% SvO2 50-75%

12. What is AVAPS?
Indications
 Average Volume Assured Pressure Support
(AVAPS)
 Improve ventilation efficacy
 Recognize changing patient needs and then
automatically make adjustments
 For obesity hypoventilation syndrome, OSA,
COPD, neuromuscular disorders,
Contraindications
 AVAPS:
 Fluid overload
 CHF
 Decreased LOC
 Patient lack of spontaneous
trigger
A non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) that adjust the pressure support (PS) to maintain a target
average ventilation over several breaths.
AVAPS adjust PS and the respiratory rate to reach a defined target with the goal of stabilizing the PaCO2,
which relates directly to alveolar ventilation.
Theoretical benefits of VAPS over BiPAP include maintaining volumes in the setting of altered patient effort
based on sleep stage or altered lung mechanics related to position. Less PS while awake may increase
comfort and aid sleep onset, reduce the risk of barotrauma, and provide lower pressures most of the time.
https://www.pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychronicles/article/view/438/971

13. Home Units
CPAP Unit examples:
…… typically used for OSA or COPD
Keep oxygen port connected,
or, remove from line if not in use.

14. Hospital Units
… typically used to decrease PaCO2
Bi-Level (BiPAP) What we use at WVMC:
The Vision:
 Cap exhalation port on circuit.
 Requires calibration test
before placing on patient.
The V.60:
 Can also do AVAPS.
 Can transport patient
w/o taking off mask.
BiPAP S/T-D:
 No longer being used at WVMC
Full Face Mask:
 Small, Medium, Large
 Is the only style we
use at WVMC

15. Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Canula
Used for improving oxygenation, but can also be used to decrease WOB and decrease CO2
High Flow Oxygen (O2
only)
Heated Humidified High Flow
Oxygen (O2 & alternate for NIV)
 http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/1/98
 https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13054-016-1263-z
 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1503326
 http://www.rtmagazine.com/2013/09/high-flow-
oxygen-does-it-make-a-difference/

16. Who Needs NPPV?
<> Pearls:
* Positive Pressure is not everything. Do not forget medical management.
* Bi-level ventilation is an early “go-to” in moderate to severe COPD exacerbations.
* Experienced RTs are critical to the success of non-invasive ventilation.
* Once applied, reassess your patient frequently and be ready to adjust.
* Can be used to stave off intubation.
* Consider for pre-oxygenation prior to intubation.
<> Pitfalls:
* Positive pressure can cause hypotension and decompensation if blindly applied.
* Do not place a pressure mask on a damaged face or a fluid filled mouth.
* Do not delay necessary intubation.
* Do not let your patient Auto-PEEP.
* Your severely acidotic patient is at high risk for failure; be ready to intubate.
* If your patient is not awake, then the patient should be intubated.

17. Who Needs NPPV?
<> Who Needs It?:
* Patients with moderate to severe COPD exacerbations.
* Patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema with increased WOB or hypercapnia.
* Patients with isolated blunt thoracic trauma.
* The immunocompromised patient with hypoxic respiratory failure.
* Patients who require pre-oxygenation prior to intubation.
<> Who Does Not?:
* Altered Mental Status.
* Facial Trauma/Can’t Handle their own secretions.
<> Gray Zones:
* Asthma.
* Neuromuscular Disease.
* Undifferentiated Hypoxic Respiratory Failure.

18. Implementing NPPV
• HOB up 45 degrees
• Explain the process
• Select appropriate mask
Top: bridge of nose.
Bottom: have patient open mouth, mask should fit just below lip and above chin.
Note that the above is for hospital full-face mask.
There are hundreds of styles & fittings from different vendors that patient’s may use at home.
• Clinician attitude, approach, and knowledge affects patient’s cooperation

19. Implementing NPPV
Adjust rise time
Determines how fast the ventilator rises from the baseline to the target pressure
Set alarms
High and low pressure
Low minute ventilation
High and low rate

20. Monitoring the Patient
• Continue to coach and reassure patient
• Monitor vital signs and accessory muscle activity
• Maintain SpO2 > 90%
• Adjust ventilator settings to improve patient-to-ventilator synchrony
• Look for improvements in gas exchange within 1 to 2 hours
Note:
• WVMC policy requires a continuous pulse oximeter to be in use.
• If to substitute a patient’s own unit (that they were unable to bring in from home), then continuous pulse
oximetry is not required.
• Literature supports maintaining SpO2 92-96% with supplemental oxygen, and 88-92% for a person who is a
CO2 retainer.

21. Monitoring the Patient
• Check mask comfort and excessive leaks
• Check mask for correct size and fit
• Check mask and headgear for proper, even
adjustment
• Switch mask style
Air Leak
0-6 Lpm = Mask may be too tight
7-25 Lpm = Just right
26-60 Lpm = Adjust and monitor
>60 Lpm = Caution

22. Patient Success
• APACHE score < 20
• Glasgow Coma score > 12
• Hypercapnia, but not excessive PaCO2 < 50
• pH > 7.25
• The best predictor of success, however, is a favorable response in gas exchange
and vital signs within the first one to two hours of initiating noninvasive ventilation.

23. NPPV Failure
• Lack of improvement in arterial blood gases
• Severe acidosis (pH < 7.2)
• Hypercapnia (PaCO2 > 60 mm Hg)
• Hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mm Hg)
• Tachypnea (> 30 BPM)
Note:
• If the patient's condition fails to improve with in the first 2 hours, intubation and mechanical ventilation may
be indicated.
• Noninvasive ventilation failure is identified with worsening arterial blood gases, severe acidosis,
hypercapnia, hypoxemia and tachypnea.

24. Oral Intake
Remove interface
As tolerated by patient
Provide supplemental oxygen
Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime to avoid aspiration

25. Mask interface issues
 Discomfort
Check fit, adjust straps, change interface
 Excessive air leaks
Realign interface, check strap tension, change to different size mask
 Nasal bridge redness or ulceration
Use artificial skin, minimize strap tension, use spacer, alternate interface
 Skin irritation or rashes
Use skin barrier lotion and/or topical corticosteroids,
Properly clean mask
 Claustrophobic reactions
Sedate with caution (ie: Ativan, Morphine)

26. Airflow issues
 Nasal congestion
Try nasal steroids, decongestant, antihistamine or humidification
 Nasal or oral dryness
Add humidification, nasal saline, oral/nasal hygiene or decrease leak
 Sinus or ear pain
Lower inspiratory pressure
 Gastric inflation
Avoid excessive inspiratory pressures >20 cm H2O)
 Eye irritation
Check mask fit, readjust headgear straps
 Failure to ventilate
Use sufficient pressures, optimize patient-ventilator synchrony

27. When to call the RT:
• The Machine Alarms
• The heater is out of water
• The patient is coming OFF the device
• The patient needs to go back ON the device
• Mask fitting error or patient discomfort
• Some devices can be used in transport
DO … Ensure device is connected to the oxygen outlet
DO … Ensure power is connected
Note scope of practice:
 CNAs should not be turning on/off a device, nor taking a patient interface off for a bathroom or drink break.
 Only a RN that has had a competency check-off should be making any BiPAP or patient interface adjustments.
 “OSBN does not allow for tasks to be delegated that require the RN assessment as integral to the task.” Shannon Carefoot
 Check with your RT to see if patient should be NPO and/or if they can tolerate being off the NPPV support.

28. Other References and Resources
 http://www.emdocs.net/bi-level-ventilation-needs-doesnt-pearls-pitfalls
 Philips Respironics TM Vision ® Workshop – Initiating NIV
 https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/solutions/breathing-and-respiratory-care
 https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HCDS1160S/bipap-avaps-non-invasive-ventilator/documentation
 http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/59/7/e105


29. Questions?
Hands on skills…
1. Locate the following values on the machine’s display:
• Tidal Volume (VT)
• “leak” value
• Locate IPAP/EPAP
• Locate patient respiratory rate
2. If time, get a test mouthpiece and feel difference of CPAP vs. BiPAP