Mechanical ventilation is a method of assisting or replacing your own effort of breathing though mechanical means.
Home mechanical ventilators—both invasive (via tracheostomy) and non‑invasive (via mask or mouthpiece)—allow patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency to live outside hospital settings. These compact systems, often prescribed at home, are supported and adjusted by respiratory therapists, and are essential for long‑term conditions like ALS, muscular dystrophy, or advanced COPD
Non‑invasive ventilation (NIV) includes BiPAP or CPAP via mask interfaces, commonly used at night or continuously depending on needs
Invasive ventilation may involve tracheostomy and requires advanced equipment and caregiver support