What is one purpose of bilevel (BiPAP) mode?

• A. Bilevel Ventilation
• B. Pressure Support Ventilation
• C. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• D. Volume Control Ventilation

Answer: (A)

BiPAP provides two pressures to support breathing: a higher pressure during inspiration to boost tidal volume and reduce the effort needed to take a breath, and a lower pressure during expiration to keep the airways open and prevent collapse. This bilevel arrangement lowers the work of breathing and improves ventilation without an invasive airway. It’s used noninvasively for patients with fatigue or hypoventilation, such as COPD exacerbations or neuromuscular weakness. It differs from CPAP, which uses a single constant pressure, from pressure support ventilation that provides inspiratory support without a distinct expiratory pressure, and from volume‑controlled ventilation that targets a set tidal volume rather than two pressure levels.