Notes on Breathing Gadgets

Every now and again I realize that something made it up here that might not be as obvious to some readers as others, so here is a quick run-down on the relevant breathing gadgets.

BiPAPS are quickly becoming more common and well-known as they are used to treat sleep apnea at home. It is usually the mildest form, and has two levels or pressure that it puts on the lungs, one for inhaling and one for exhaling.

A CPAP puts a single, constant pressure on the lungs. The pressure may or may not be higher than a BiPAP.

In contrast, a ventilator actually does the breathing for you. Neither the BiPAP nor the CPAP normally involve being intubated whereas a vent requires it. It sends air down the lungs, and the patient passively exhales.

All of the "gadgets" allow varying amounts of O2 (oxygen) in the air, (the air you and I breath is about one fifth O2) and pressure. The PAPS are merely assistive in contrast to the vent, which is meant to do all the heaving lifting. The vent also lets you set the respiratory rate (breathes per minute), whereas the PAPS let you completely breathe on your own.

By far the most obtrusive part about the vent is a tube down your throat. The PAPS never need the tube, although they can be used with. So currently TJ is still intubated even though he is on a CPAP. It is likely that after being extubated he will be on a CPAP or BiPAP without the tube, just a face-mask (which have varying degrees of comfort, but are all better than a tube!)

So there is a quick rundown on all the fun breathing things TJ is on.