Philips BiPAP A40 - 1.5 Patient Precautions

Chapter 1 Introduction
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1.5 Patient Precautions
• Immediately report any unusual chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or severe
headache.
• If skin irritation or breakdown develops from the use of the mask, refer to the mask
instructions for appropriate action.
• The following are potential side eects of non-invasive positive pressure therapy:
– Ear discomfort
– Conjunctivitis
– Skin abrasions due to non-invasive interfaces
– Gastric distention (aerophagia)
1.6 System Overview
The BiPAP A40 ventilator can provide non-invasive or invasive ventilation. The device augments
patient breathing by supplying pressurized air through a patient circuit. It senses the patient’s
breathing eort by monitoring airow in the patient circuit and adjusts its output to assist in
inhalation and exhalation. This therapy is known as Bi-level ventilation. Bi-level ventilation provides a
higher pressure, known as IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure), when you inhale, and a lower
pressure, known as EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure), when you exhale. The higher pressure
makes it easier for you to inhale, and the lower pressure makes it easier for you to exhale. The device
can also provide a single pressure level, known as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).
The ventilator can be operated using AC power, a detachable battery, or an external battery. See
Chapter 4 for more information.