CPAP and BiPAP Machines

You have undoubtedly heard, at least in passing, of a CPAP machine, and probably know that it is used to help control sleep apnea. What you may not know is that there is also a BiPAP machine too. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the differences between CPAP and BiPap to help give you a better idea of which machine might be right for you or someone you love.

Differences

• 1. BiPAP takes care of one of the most common complaints of using a CPAP machine.

One of the most common complaints of CPAP usage is that patients often find the constant singular pressure uncomfortable to breathe against. Exhaling can be a challenge for those who are using CPAP machines under higher pressure strengths.

However, BiPAP machines allow patients to set their own breath timing that measures amount of breaths per minute. If their breath-taking time exceeds the limit, the machine will temporarily adjust the air pressure to allow for more comfortable breathing.

• 2. BiPAP machines have two air pressure settings.

The main difference between BiPAP and CPAP machines is that the BiPAP device allows for two pressure settings: the prescribed pressure for inhalation (IPAP), and a lower pressure for exhalation (EPAP).

The CPAP device is made to increase the pressure while inhaling to keep airways in the nose, throat and mouth from closing during sleep. In contrast to the single pressure setting by CPAP machines, the BiPAP device has dual settings to allow patients to get more air into and out of their lungs.

Whereas the CPAP device works as the person inhales, the BiPAP gives more help with breathing. They have been prescribed to patients who have congestive heart failure and other serious diseases that affect both heart and lungs.

• 3. The machines often cater to different needs.

Although both machines have been designed to help the users breathe a number of times per minute, one of the BiPAP machine’s biggest benefits is that the pressure is decreased when you exhale. This helps the user to not work as hard at breathing, and allows the user to get a more restful sleep. That’s why the BiPAP machines are at times used as a backup method of treatment when CPAP has failed to adequately treat certain people.

The CPAP is also normally used to treat mild sleep apnea. However, depending on the levels of sleep apnea, doctors might suggest trying the BiPAP machine instead. As an example, those who have muscle or nerve problems might get better results with a BiPAP rather than CPAP.

Also, CPAP is normally much noisier than the BiPAP. However, it’s important to remember that both of them are very beneficial and crucial to keeping sleepers breathing if they have issues in that area.

If you have questions about the differences between the machines, be sure and talk with your doctor, since each person responds differently to each method of treatment. You may need to participate in a sleep test to see which treatment might be better suited for your individual needs and what settings they should be under.However, you can always ask for a different option if one machine is harder to work with than the other