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Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

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Breathing and ventilation

NIV

Non-invasive ventilation

Breathing support delivered through a mask rather than through a tube into the windpipe.

What it means

A machine helps you breathe by pushing air in through a mask that sits over your nose, or your nose and mouth. Nothing goes into your throat, and you can take the mask off. Many people start using it overnight, when breathing muscles are most likely to struggle.

Why you might hear it

  • Your respiratory team may raise it after a breathing test, or if you wake unrested.
  • It is the treatment most often meant when a team says "breathing support".

What it is not

Not oxygen. NIV moves air in and out; oxygen alone does not do that work, and is a different treatment for a different problem.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.