Advantages of Bi-PAP

When shopping for a positive pressure device for treatment of sleep apnea, some sleepers might benefit from a bilevel or BiPAP machine, such as Respironics’ BiPAP line, rather than a CPAP machine.

A CPAP machine delivers a stream of air at a constant pressure to a sleeper, designed to keep the sleeper’s airway open and avoid the effects of obstructive sleep apnea.

The BiPAP machine works in a similar fashion, but alternates between two sets of pressures: one when the sleeper is breathing in, and one when breathing out.

The BiPAP Machine vs. Exhalation Relief

Some CPAP machines come with an option that reduces pressure on exhalation which may seem to accomplish the same task as a BiPAP machine, but CPAP ‘pressure on exhalation’ machines not the same as a BiPAP machine. For example, Respironics has CPAP devices with “C-Flex” exhalation relief and these are different from the bilevel BiPAP machine.

Exhalation relief temporarily reduces pressure slightly as the sleeper breathes out, so that sleeper has to work less to exhale against the incoming air stream. The pressure drop is not a fixed amount and may vary from breath to breath.

The BiPAP machine has two distinct and preset pressures: inhale pressure and exhale pressure. They take the concept of exhalation relief to a new level, becoming non-invasive ventilators. If the sleeper does not take a breath within a set time, the machine will ramp up pressure and force a breath. This is not the same as a true ventilator that breathes for the patient, but the increased pressure will trigger the sleeper to take a breath automatically.

Advantages of a BiPAP Machine

By reducing the pressure on exhale, the sleeper is able to work less and sleep more deeply. However, most sleep apnea sufferers will find equivalent benefits from an exhalation relief system.

The BiPAP machine has proven especially effective for patients with serious cardiopulmonary disorders such as congestive heart failure. It can also be helpful for patients with neuromuscular disease or other patients who need greater breathing assistance than a standard CPAP machine can provide.

Your doctor will let you know if your sleep apnea and associated medical conditions warrant the use of a BiPAP machine.

Using a BiPAP Machine

If your doctor decides that a BiPAP machine is right for you, you’ll find that it works very similar to the regular CPAP. The BiPAP machine is small, designed to fit right on your nightstand, and runs quietly so as not to disturb your sleep. They use the same masks and tubing as a CPAP and require the same level of care. They are more likely to include options like humidifiers as standard, as they are higher-level machines than CPAP.

The only real difference you are likely to see in your BiPAP machine is the initial setting. While a CPAP is set for only one pressure, a BiPAP machine is set for two pressures: the IPAP (inhalation pressure) and the EPAP (exhalation pressure). Machines with a spontaneous breath timing feature will also need a target BPM (breaths per minute). All of these settings will be provided by your physician after a sleep test.

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