NIV - Non Invasive Ventilation
A non-invasive ventilation (NIV) machine provides extra support while you breathe. The machine is attached to you via a face mask, as opposed to a tube in your windpipe.
What is NIV?
Why do I need non-invasive ventilation?
What are the risks of non-invasive ventilation?
How do I prepare for non-invasive ventilation?
What happens during non-invasive ventilation?
What happens after non-invasive ventilation?
What is non-invasive ventilation (NIV)?
Non-invasive ventilation doesn’t take over your breathing for you. Instead, the NIV machine helps you to breathe more efficiently. NIV also helps you to breathe in more oxygen and breathe out more carbon dioxide.
Non-invasive ventilation gives your chest muscles a break and reduces your breathing effort.
The face mask sits over your nose and mouth and is held in place with a strap.
There are two types of non-invasive ventilation options:
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Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) – the airflow is strongest when you breathe in, dropping to a lower pressure when you breathe out.
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – the mask keeps your airways open continuously, allowing more air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Why do I need non-invasive ventilation?
You might need non-invasive ventilation if you are having trouble breathing due to a long-term breathing problem or sudden illness.
Non-invasive ventilation can help if you have one of the following conditions:
What are the risks of non-invasive ventilation?
Non-invasive ventilation is usually safe, though risks can include:
- Bloating – this may occur from swallowing too much air
- Low blood pressure – your doctors will monitor your blood pressure during your therapy
- Lung injury – due to high pressures or underlying lung conditions
- Pressure injury or eye irritation – if the mask is fitted incorrectly.
How do I prepare for non-invasive ventilation?
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for non-invasive ventilation. A nurse or doctor will explain how the machine works and show you how the mask will be fitted.
If you feel uneasy about wearing the mask, talk to your nurse or doctor.
What happens during non-invasive ventilation?
Non-invasive ventilation is used to manage breathing emergencies at hospital, but it can also be used at home to manage chronic lung conditions and sleep-related conditions.
If you need non-invasive ventilation at hospital:
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Your nurse or doctor will gently strap the mask to your face
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The mask is connected to a machine with various settings that will be adjusted, depending on your needs and how the mask feels
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Your nursing and medical team will monitor your breathing and oxygen levels during your therapy
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You will be allowed to have breaks to eat, drink, and use the bathroom.
If you need non-invasive ventilation at home, your respiratory team will coordinate your treatment.
What happens after non-invasive ventilation?
Your doctor will decide when your condition has improved enough and it is safe for you to stop your treatment.
After your non-invasive ventilation treatment is finished, you will need to:
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Attend a pulmonary rehabilitation program – a dedicated rehab program will help you to recover well and reduces the chance of getting sick again
- Follow up with your doctor – you may need further treatment, either in hospital or at home
- Know when to seek help – your doctor will tell you about the signs and symptoms to be aware of and when to seek medical attention or phone an ambulance
- Learn how to manage your lung condition – if you are healthy enough to return home, your doctor will give you strategies and a treatment plan.