What does BiPap do in the context of respiratory therapy?

BiPap, or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, is a non-invasive ventilation strategy used in respiratory therapy that provides two different levels of airway pressure: one during inhalation and a lower one during exhalation. This mechanism facilitates breathing by delivering a set pressure to assist with inspiration (forcing air into the lungs) and by allowing for a more comfortable, passive exhalation (reducing the pressure during expiration).

The reason this approach is effective is that it helps patients who may have difficulty breathing or maintaining adequate ventilation, such as those suffering from conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or COPD. By providing this dual pressure system, BiPap enhances effective ventilation and improves gas exchange, thereby supporting respiratory function more effectively than methods that either force air in or only manage passive expiration.

While other choices suggest limited functions of BiPap, the capability of providing both inspiratory assistance and enhancing expiratory flow makes the correct answer the most comprehensive and accurate reflection of what BiPap does in a therapeutic setting.