Podcast 517: It's all about the PEEP

Bag-valve masks (BVM) typically have a port to connect O2 to. Unfortunately room air becomes entrained in the mask, reducing the FiO2 delivered to the patient. This can be overcome by using a PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) valve on the BMV

PEEP valves function by keeping alveoli open in the lungs at the end of expiration. This increases the oxygen diffusing ability of the lungs, keeping patients' oxygen saturations higher.

Patients who are critically ill can become quickly hypoxic after RSI meds due to reduced functional residual lung capacity - an issue that can be overcome with a PEEP valve

PEEP also will reduce work of breathing in COPD and CHF patients