Q. How long can you wear a BiPAP mask for?

Answer

BiPAP masks must be maintained continuously for more than 24 to 48 hours without a break if the patient wants to avoid developing nutritional issues as well as pressure necrosis of the nasal skin. Therefore, a change to HFNC or intubation is required if the patient does not show any signs of improvement after using BiPAP for one to two days. BIPAP or mask ventilation can be used indefinitely in theory; however, for critically ill patients in Intensive Care, the reality is that if BIPAP or mask ventilation is required for too long, it becomes tiring and exhausting, and it often leads to mechanical tube ventilation with induced coma.