Affordable, Compact and Infection-Free BiPAP Machine

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Care
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Critical COVID-19 cases necessitate mechanical ventilators, which are expensive and limited in number.
• A significant number of COVID-19 patients require respiratory support, straining existing resources.
• Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) offers an alternative for less critical cases, reducing the need for intubation and specialized staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and present an inexpensive BiPAP ventilation system with an infection-free exhaust.
• To develop a 3D-printed mask for efficient air intake and exhalation, suitable for adult patients.
• To adapt the BiPAP design for emergency use, enabling support for multiple patients from one device.

Main Methods:

• An air blower controlled by an Arduino system programmed for BiPAP functionality was utilized.
• A novel 3D-printed mask with a unique intake and exhalation design was developed in two adult sizes.
• The system was modified to allow a single BiPAP unit to support up to four patients.

Main Results:

• The designed BiPAP system is inexpensive, with mass production estimated at approximately 85 USD (INR 6500).
• The 3D-printed mask ensures a leak-free fit for adult patients.
• The system is adaptable for emergency scenarios, offering a cost-effective solution for increased patient demand.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost BiPAP system provides a viable respiratory support option for less critical COVID-19 patients.
• The infection-free exhaust and adaptable design address key challenges in resource-limited settings.
• This innovation has the potential to significantly increase the availability of respiratory support during pandemics.