BIPAP Machine: How Is It Different from CPAP?
Do you suffer from sleep apnea? If so, you are one of the millions of people who do. It’s a common sleep disorder that can easily be controlled with a variety of options. The most commonly prescribed treatments are assisted-breathing machines.
Both the BIPAP machine and CPAP machines are used to help sufferers sleep better and get a better night’s sleep
Both the BIPAP machine and CPAP machines are invasive ventilation therapy machines that deliver positive airway pressure and regulate breathing during sleep. Both are intended to keep your airway open to help the passage of air while you sleep. They look similar both use a tube that deliver air into a mask that you breathe into.
The main difference between the two machines is how air pressure is delivered.
The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is the most commonly prescribed treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The machine delivers continuous air pressure throughout the night, starting off slowly and augmenting the pressure through the night to regular and steady output.
Your sleep doctor will determine the pressure to calibrate once you have completed your sleep study.
The Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure works the same way as the CPAP delivering air and keeping the airways open while you sleep. The main difference is that the BIPAP utilizes two different pressure flows instead of one like the CPAP does.
What this means is that the air that is being delivered is more personalized to the user. The machine can adjust to your breathing patterns as you sleep.
BIPAP machines tend to be more expensive than CPAP. These machines are FDA approved and need to be prescribed by your doctor.
Speak with your doctor if you think that you suffer from some type of sleep apnea or disorder.
