Instructions for use of your BiPAP Harmony ventilator
Your BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine is a type of non-invasive
ventilator (NIV). It is designed for independent use at home by patients and
ideally should be worn at night during sleep in order to relieve overnight drops in
oxygen levels. However, if this proves impossible then it should be used for at
least 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
It has been set to deliver a high pressure when you breathe in and a lower one
when you breathe out. You should try to relax as much as possible whilst on it
and let the machine do the work of breathing. It is not intended for ‘life
support’ or to be used continuously over a 24-hour period. The alarms on
the machine have been turned off (because its use is not for life support).
To set the machine up:
1. Attaching the machine to the circuit
• Plug machine in to power supply
• Attach breathing circuit to the machine
2. Putting the mask on
• Fit the mask as indicated in the diagram
• Place mask on nose and attach headgear - just undo one of the Velcro
straps at the bottom of the mask to put it on. Ensure the mask is square on
the nose with the forehead pad on the forehead.
• Turn to machine on – listen for the pressure change and look at the screen
– the right hand numbers on the screen should change when the pressure
changes. The pressure takes a few seconds to change when the machine
is first switched on. Check for leaks around the mask; if the mask is
leaking readjust the fitting.
• There should be little or no leak around the sides of the mask. However
there is an exhalation port on the elbow of the mask (see diagram of mask)
which will allow leak and this should be left open (to allow escape of
exhaled air)
• There is not need to press any of the other control buttons on the machine
– however if they are pressed then the original settings are ‘locked in’ and
will not be altered
• Please watch for development of pressure areas over the bridge of the
nose – use a small strip of ‘tegaderm’ over the bridge of the nose between
the nose and the mask, if necessary
• No eating or drinking whilst on the machine
• Talking whilst using the machine should be avoided as the pressure is lost
and it will make your ears ‘pop’
• Clean the mask by washing in warm soapy water – ensure it is dry before
reuse.
• The filter should be changed when it becomes grey in colour – a
replacement is in the black bag
• Manufacturer’s manuals about the machine and mask are in the black
‘Respironics’ bag for further reference
• Contact details:
o Christine Mikelsons, consultant respiratory physiotherapist, Royal
Free Hospital, 020 7794 0500 ext 34068 (please leave a message if
necessary); or ask switchboard to bleep Christine on bleep 1041 and
hold until she answers.
o David Grant, senior respiratory physiotherapist, Royal Free Hospital,
020 7794 0500 ext 34068 (please leave a message if necessary); or
ask switchboard to bleep David on bleep 2352 and hold until he
answers
Please phone if you need help.
If you would like a large print or audio version of this
information, please ask a member of staff.
© Physiotherapy department / Patient information programme 2011
www.royalfree.nhs.uk [review date: March 2013]
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