Intermittent positive-pressure breathing. A critical appraisal.

There are relatively few valid indications for the use of intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB). It is of limited or no value as prophylaxis of postoperative pulmonary problems (pneumonia, atelectasis) or as a means of delivering aerosol medications or treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In these situations, IPPB has few if any advantages over voluntary hyperventilation or deep breathing.