Specifications

4 Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Notes
• The Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) and Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure
(EPAP) controls are electrically coupled. The unit will not deliver an EPAP level that is higher
than the set IPAP level. If the EPAP control is set higher than IPAP, the unit will be locked to the
IPAP setting and the IPAP Light Emitting Diode (LED) will remain lit.
• Circuit tubing with a smooth inner lumen and a nominal diameter of 22 mm is recommended.
Tubing with a corrugated inner lumen will cause a pressure drop from the blower outlet to the
patient connection. This may affect the unit’s ability to deliver the maximum pressure.
• Heat and moisture exchangers should not be used with the BiPAP S/T. Testing has shown that
the ability of the unit to maintain the prescribed pressure is significantly affected by the addition
of a heat and moisture exchanger to the patient circuit.
Additional Warnings, Cautions, and Notes are located throughout this manual.
Contraindications
The following may contraindicate the use of a BiPAP S/T System:
a. Patients with or susceptible to pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum should be monitored
closely when applying positive pressure. Pre-existing bullous lung disease may represent a
relative contraindication.
b. Hypotension induced by positive pressure ventilation.
c. A history of allergy or hypersensitivity to the mask material where the risk from allergic reaction
outweighs the benefit of ventilatory assistance.
d. Aspiration of gastric contents. Exercise caution when applying a full face (nasal/oral) mask to
patients because of the increased possibility of aspirating gastric contents. This is particularly true
in patients who are at risk for or who have been vomiting. In these patients, placement of a
nasogastric suction tube may be advisable prior to the application of a full face mask.
e. Acute sinusitis or otitis media. Although it is not necessary in most situations, nasal positive
pressure therapy may need to be suspended temporarily in some patients with acute sinusitis or
otitis media.
f. Patient’s inability to maintain a patent airway or to adequately clear secretions.
g. Life-threatening or potentially life-threatening epistaxis.
h. Patients without an intact respiratory drive.
Patient Warnings
• Advise the patient to report any unusual chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or severe
headache immediately.
• If using a full face mask, advise the patient not to eat or drink two to three hours prior
to bedtime.
• The following are potential side effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation:
– Ear discomfort
– Conjunctivitis
– Skin abrasions due to noninvasive interfaces
– Aerophagia (gastric distention)