Ventilators: How They Work & Types Explained

A ventilator provides mechanical breathing support for patients unable to breathe independently. Used in hospitals, clinics, and homes.

Two Main Types

Invasive Ventilators

Require an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Used in critical care. Provide:

• Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV): Pushes air into lungs (most common).
• Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV): Creates chest vacuum to draw air in (rare).

Uses: support apnea, correct hypoxia, clear secretions, reduce work of breathing.

Non-Invasive Ventilators

No airway tube; uses masks (CPAP, BiPAP). For patients breathing spontaneously but needing support. Provide:

• PPV via mask.
• CPAP – constant pressure keeps airways open (e.g., sleep apnea).

Uses: respiratory support, hypoxia, secretion clearance, sleep apnea.

Ventilators are life-saving devices with diverse modes for acute and chronic respiratory failure.