Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Question 1

What is NIV?

Answer 1

Application of respiratory support via a sealed patient interface.

(e.g. full face mask or nasal mask without the need for invasive ventilation via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy)

Question 2

What sort of ventilatory support does NIV provide?

Answer 2

Deliver positive pressure ventilatory support

Question 3

What are the advantages of NIV?

Answer 3

• Applied and removed according to the patients needs therefore communication and mobilisation is easy
• Complications (such as URTI and LRTI and tracheal stenosis) are avoided
• Patients very rarely require sedation
• Avoids intubation
• Early mobilisation
• Maintains nutrition
• Better patient morale – enables communication

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of NIV?

Answer 4

• Claustrophobia
• Facial pressure sores
• Airway not protected
• Difficulty assessing bronchial secretions for suctioning
• Time consuming