The aim of Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) is to provide short-term or intermittent mechanical ventilation for the purpose of augmenting lung expansion, assisting ventilation or assisting secretion clearance. IPPB is the maintenance of a positive pressure throughout inspiration, returning to atmospheric pressure during expiration. By increasing the tidal volume, the elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall is increased thereby increasing the expiratory flow rate (litres/minute).

IPPB has therefore been shown to: Increase tidal volume, Mobilise Secretions

IPPB uses a pressure limited ventilator with the patient triggering inspiration through spontaneous effort and expiration being passive.