What is a key feature of Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP)?

A key feature of Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) is that it supports both inspiratory and expiratory phases. This dual-pressure system differentiates BPAP from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which maintain a constant level of pressure throughout the entire breathing cycle.

In BPAP therapy, two separate pressures are set: a higher pressure for inhalation (inspiratory positive airway pressure, or IPAP) and a lower pressure for exhalation (expiratory positive airway pressure, or EPAP). This allows for more comfortable breathing, particularly for patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or respiratory failure, where varying pressures can enhance ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.

The other options do not accurately represent the capabilities of BPAP. A continuous pressure system is characteristic of CPAP, and while BPAP can be used effectively in both awake and asleep patients, it is not limited only to awake patients. Additionally, BPAP is primarily focused on airway pressure support rather than medication delivery, which is a function more associated with nebulizers or inhalers. Thus, the feature that BPAP supports both the inspiratory and expiratory phases is fundamental to its function