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A computational fluid dynamics analysis of BiPAP pressure settings on airway biomechanics using a CT-based respiratory tract model

In our recent open-access paper in Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, we present the first CT-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study to quantify how BiPAP pressure settings influence airway biomechanics across a realistic human respiratory tract model (from the nasal cavity to the 13th airway generation). We compared three clinically relevant IPAP/EPAP combinations (12/8, 16/6, and 18/8 cmH₂O) against a no-BiPAP baseline and evaluated regional changes in static pressure, wall shear stress, and airway wall normal force. The simulations show that BiPAP—especially at higher IPAP—can increase airway pressure and improve airway patency without increasing shear stress, while lower EPAP may reduce expiratory workload and support more effective CO₂ clearance. Overall, the findings provide mechanistic guidance toward more personalised BiPAP strategies for conditions such as OSA/CSA, COPD, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome. ScienceDirect