What is Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV)?

Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is a term used to describe how a ventilator machine (air pump) delivers air to your lungs under pressure and helps keep your small airways and air sacs in the lungs open and inflated.
The ventilator assists you when breathe, working with you not against you.

The airflow is strongest when you breathe in to help you take in as much air as possible. Airflow pressure is lower when you breathe out, but remains positive. This helps to keep the airways open, enabling more air to get in and out of the lungs. This is widely referred to as BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure).

How does a ventilator machine help?

The ventilator automatically recognises when you have started to breathe in and assists with/supports each breath. This in turn allows you to take in more air each breath and delivers this to your lungs. You will also be able to get rid of the waste products of breathing more readily when exhaling and will feel less breathless. 'Non-invasive' simply means that this process is achieved using a mask.

The mask used either fits over your nose alone, or over both the nose and mouth; a strap holds the mask firmly in place but it can easily be removed to take a drink or to enable you to move away from the machine should you wish to go to the toilet etc.

This system reduces the work of breathing and ensures that your respiratory requirements are met. Air Products supplies a range of non-invasive ventilator machines for both hospital and home use, with nasal and full-face masks.