Equipment
  • Appropriate device to provide NIPPV
  • Appropriate type and sized mask interface
  • Appropriate securing head gear for mask
  • Appropriate circuit
  • Appropriate humidification device to provide patient with humidified gas mixture
  • Circuit tubing
  • Oxygen tubing (optional)
  • Oxygen saturation monitor
  • Sterile water for inhalation

BCCH Respiratory Care Steering Committee. NON-INVASIVE POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION: INITIATION AND MANAGEMENT AT BCCH [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://shop.healthcarebc.ca/phsa/BCWH_2/BC%20Children%27s%20Hospital/C-0506-12-62066.pdf 

Set Up & Management

*Download guideline for details

  • PERFORM hand hygiene and DON personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • DETERMINE and OBTAIN appropriate NIPPV delivery device and appropriate sized
    mask and headgear for NIPPV
  • CONNECT all circuit tubing to the NIPPV device
  • CONNECT NIPPV device to power source and ensure the power cable is securely
    connected to the NIPPV device
  • ATTACH oxygen if required. Set up according to the device manual
  • TURN ON NIPPV device and set appropriate mode and settings. Perform leak check and
    confirm pressure remains stable
  • ENSURE humidification is set-up appropriately for the device. Ensure the humidification device is TURNED ON
  • SUCTION patient (if required) before placing mask on patient’s face
  • ATTACH the circuit tubing to the patient’s mask. CONFIRM there is flow before
    applying the mask to the patient’s face
  • ATTACH the mask to the patient’s face and secure headgear
  • COMPLETE a site-to-source check once headgear is secure and device is on the
    patient
  • ASSESS the patient and perform a site to source check of the NIPPV system Q3H and
    as needed.
Settings on BiPAP

 

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BP terminology

Different Ventilators use different nomenclature, so it is vital to be aware of the ventilator you are using and the nomenclature associated with the pressure delivery

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T1 BP
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Trilogy BP
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BP management

References:

BiPAP: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
FRC: Functional Residual Capacity
Vt: Tidal Volume

BC Children’s Hospital PICU Physicians RT 2025. Available from: 

Sedation

Anxiety, Agitation and Pain

Patients with acute respiratory distress requiring initiation of non-invasive ventilation may require non-pharmacological and/or pharmacological measures to provide comfort and ensure tolerance of therapy.

Non-pharmacological support may include:

  • Comfort positioning (e.g. bundling infant, cuddling child). Refer to Pawsitions for Comfort.

  • Bundling care (ex. NG insertion and NPW/bloodwork at the same time)

  • Alternate focus (distraction)

  • Timing of re-assessment

  • Caregiver support

Pharmacological Support

Pharmacological sedation may be required to facilitate initiation or maintenance of BiPAP.    

Not all children require sedation to tolerate NIV, and so pharmacologic support should be tailored to each clinical scenario. Sedation is usually provided via IV infusion or push, but intranasal options could be considered depending on clinical need, response, and anticipated NIV tolerance. 

Medication Options

Rapid Control During Initiation

  • Dexmedetomidine IV infusion - If NIV initiation is required in 15-30 minutes, consider starting dexmedetomidine infusion in the higher range (suggested 0.4-0.5 mcg/kg/hr IV), allowing effect prior to NIV initiation. Usually the infusion is continued (see maintenance of NIV below) for ongoing tolerance
  • Ketamine IV push  If NIV initiation is needed immediately, consider low dose IV Ketamine (0.5 to 1 mg/kg IV)) bolus, titrated to effect. Two subsequent does of 0.5 mg/kg may be given as required to a maximum total dose of 2 mg/kg. A dexmedetomidine infusion is typically also started to facilitate ongoing mask tolerance
  • Midazolam intranasal (IN)  Consider if IV route or other options are not available. Onset is usually 10-15 minutes. IN causes nasal irritation (burning).

 

Maintenance of NIV

  • Dexmedetomidine IV Infusion (range 0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/h) is often used for ongoing tolerance during NIV due to its ability to preserve respiratory drive and airway tone. Infusion can be titrated to desired level of sedation balanced with potential effect of bradycardia and infrequently hypotension.
  • If dexmedetomidine is ineffective for ongoing sedation, consult the PICU for consideration of a ketamine infusion or alternative options.

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sedation chart for bipap

For more information, refer to ped med and the In a Hurry Drug Formulary.

BCCH Respiratory Care Steering Committee. PEDIATRIC NON-INVASIVE FOR ACUTE RESPIRATORY SUPPORT AT BCCH [Internet]. 2026. Available from: https://shop.healthcarebc.ca/phsa/BCWH_2/BC%20Children%27s%20Hospital/C-05-07-63200.pdf

Medication Administration

Important considerations should be noted when administering medication to patients requiring respiratory support, including NIPPV

Best practice: MDI + Spacer

  1. Pre oxygenate as needed
  2. Remove BiPAP mask
  3. Administer MDI + spacer with mouthpiece/mask to deliver medication
  4. If MDI + spacer is not available, consider a large volume chamber or vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN). If not available, a small volume nebulizer is an option.

Note: VMNs provide superior dose delivery compared to SVNs 

If the patient cannot tolerate being off non-invasive ventilation for medication delivery via MDI + spacer, consider VMN.

Incorrect patient interface and/or incorrect position of VMN will significantly reduce delivery of medication. It is important to consider placement for best medication delivery possible:

 

Dual-Limb Circuits (ie. Hamilton T1 ventilator, Servo-U ventilator, etc.)

  • Place the VMN on the dry side of the humidifier pot.
  • Use a non-vented patient interface.

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    VMN on dry side of humidifier pot

Single-Limb Circuits (ie. Trilogy ventilators, Breas Vivo 45LS ventilator, etc.)

  • Place the VMN between the patient interface and exhalation port.
  • Use a non-vented patient interface.

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    Non-vented elbow on single limb circuit

For more information on advanced respiratory support and inhaled medications through advanced respiratory support please refer to the Edu-Quicks on our website.

Ari, A. et al. (2010) Influence of Nebulizer Type, Position, and Bias Flow on Aerosol Drug Delivery in Simulated Pediatric and Adult Lung Models During Mechanical Ventilation. Available at: https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/respcare/55/7/845.full.pdf.

 

Branconnier MP, Hess DR. Albuterol Delivery During Noninvasive Ventilation.

 

Hassan, A. et al. (2017) In-vitro/in-vivo comparison of inhaled salbutamol dose delivered by jet nebulizer, vibrating mesh nebulizer and metered dose inhaler with spacer during non-invasive ventilation. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01902148.2017.1282993.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting
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hamilton t1 quick guide
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trilogy troubleshooting

BCCH Respiratory Care Steering Committee. PEDIATRIC NON-INVASIVE FOR ACUTE RESPIRATORY SUPPORT AT BCCH [Internet]. 2026. Available from: https://shop.healthcarebc.ca/phsa/BCWH_2/BC%20Children%27s%20Hospital/C-05-07-63200.pdf