Choosing the Right Respiratory Support: Ventilators or RADs

This document explains the crucial differences between two types of breathing support devices used at home: Home Mechanical Ventilator (HMV) and Respiratory Assist Devices (RAD). RAD equipment is also known as BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure devices, often abbreviated as BiPAPTM (trademark of Philips Respironics) or BPAP machines. An accurate understanding of these distinctions is crucial for determining the appropriate ventilatory support device, which should be titrated to specific disease states and patient needs.

Choosing the right device is critical. Patients with severe respiratory conditions require the advanced capabilities of an HMV, including multiple modes, higher delivered pressures, comprehensive alarms, and backup power. HMV can either be provided non-invasively through the ventilator (NIV) or invasively (INV). Licensed Respiratory Therapists (RT) are highly skilled specialists who provide the support and services needed to manage ventilation, a complex life support device, in the home as well as in hospitals. It is essential for the patient on HMV to have access to qualified personnel. Without ongoing support, the patient is at risk for inadequate ventilation, poor outcomes, potential hospital readmissions, and decreased quality of life. Using a RAD for patients with severe respiratory conditions where an HMV is required may be inadequate and could pose serious risks to the patient's health and safety.