What is an IPAP Ventilation Machine and When is it Used?

An inspiratory positive airway pressure ventilation machine (IPAP) is a viable option for the treatment of symptoms of sleep apnea.   

What is sleep apnea?

“Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or pause of breathing (airflow) during sleep.”

When the human body has severe bouts of sleep apnea, there may be insufficient oxygen flow to the human brain and body. The administration of oxygen with a mechanically assisted ventilation machine may be necessary. The IPAP ventilation machine administers oxygen during the inspiratory phase of mechanically assisted breathing while the patient is asleep.

This medical condition is relatively common in adults, but seldom seen in children. With sleep apnea, a person goes to sleep, but may be awakened during the night by bouts of sleep apnea. Normally, the human body regulates its own rate and depth of breathing. When that does not happen, an apnea can occur.

What is an apnea?

“An apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is markedly reduced. In simplified terms, an apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more.”

“He (she) is not breathing,” is the first observation. “Is he (she) still alive?”

Sleep apnea often alarms spouses, as the husband or wife does not appear to be breathing. A normal, panic instinct is to awaken one’s spouse immediately, to make certain that he or she is all right. Usually, he or she seems fine, but may become alarmed if awakened repeatedly. Many spouses spend sleepless nights worrying and watching over each other because of sleep apnea.

Identifying a persistent pattern of sleep apnea may require hospitalization where monitoring the patient’s breathing pattern is possible. Sleep apnea occurs in varying degrees and may not necessarily indicate the need for the use of an IPAP ventilation machine.

What is noninvasive ventilation?

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) refers to the administration of ventilatory support without using an invasive artificial airway (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube).”

What is the history of the IPAP machine?

“In the 1980s, increasing experience with positive-pressure ventilation delivered through a mask in patients with obstructive sleep apnea led to this type of ventilatory support, initially in patients with neuromuscular respiratory failure.”

What should a patient expect?

The patient will sleep in semi-Fowler position wearing an oxygen mask. Because breathing function is vital to human health and well being, administration of oxygen in this manner with the IPAP ventilation machine proves effective and beneficial.