Module 2: Breathing with

Breathing equipment

Chronic hypoventilation may provoke many disabling symptoms. A ventilator may reverse symptoms by relieving inspiratory muscles. In general, the term ‘respirator’ is most commonly used to denominate sophisticated, life-sustaining machines. Simple equipment, more often used for night-time support of breathing usually belongs to a group of called BiPAP machines. However, both types of machinery are basically mechanical air pumps that unload the burden of respiratory muscles by pressing air down into the lungs via the airways. The air goes from the pump through a hose to the user. For most patients, the tube is connected to a mask that either covers the nose or both the nose and mouth.