A ventilator can deliver a set volume of gas (tidal volume) with each inspiration or can be set to a specific pressure regimen, depending on the patient¡¯s needs.

 

Volume ventilators

These ventilators have adjustable settings for total volume delivered, timing of volume delivery and mandatory or patient-initiated breathing.

 

Pressure ventilators

These ventilators deliver a set pressure to the patient, and volumes can vary depending on the patient��s lung compliance and resistance. These pressure breaths can be mandatory or patient initiated.

 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

These devices provide a continuous level of positive pressure throughout the inspiratory and expiratory breath cycles.

The pressure is not sufficient to completely inflate the lungs, but provides enough to maintain an open airway. In the home care setting, CPAP is often used to treat sleep apnea , in which a patient's airway closes frequently during sleep.

 

Bi-level positive airway pressure ventilators

These ventilators are often used by patients with neuromuscular disease. Bi-level is a mode in which the patient��s spontaneous breaths are maintained at one pressure during exhalation and a higher pressure during inspiration.

 

The physician can suggest a ventilator that would best suit the needs of the patient.

The healthcare provider will also select ventilator settings that will maintain patient comfort and appropriate levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.