What Is CPAP?
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy stands for CPAP. CPAP is a treatment modality for patients who are suffering from problems related to breathing, like sleep apnea. CPAP machines work by using mild air pressure to keep the airways ventilated and open.
A CPAP machine has a compressor which is a motor that generates a continuous stream of pressurized air that travels via an air filter into a tube. This tube passes that purified air into a mask which is placed around the patient's nose or mouth. As a patient falls asleep, the airstream from the CPAP machine creates pressure and pushes the air against any blockages, and helps in the opening of airways so that the lungs can receive the required amount of oxygen.
What Are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?
All CPAP devices come with the same basic components, such as:
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Motor fixed in a base unit.
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A mask.
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A flexible tube that connects the motor to the mask.
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A headgear.
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An elbow piece.
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Adjustable straps.
There are different mask types that come with the machine. Masks, along with the machine, can vary in different styles. It completely depends on the type of machine and the patient's breathing habits, how comfortable the mask is for the patient to wear, and the kind of breathing disorder the patient has.
The CPAP masks are of different types, which include the following:
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Nasal Pillow Mask - The mask has a cushion that caps over the nostril. It may also have prongs that fit into the nostrils. This mask allows a person to wear their glasses easily. It also works well if a person has facial hair that may block a larger mask from fighting well.
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Nasal Mask - It is a cushioned mask that covers the whole nose. It is better if patients move around in their sleep. It can deliver a high-pressure airstream.
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Full Mask - This type of mask is triangle shaped and covers the mouth and nose. The doctor might prescribe this kind of mask if the patient breathes through their mouth when they sleep or if they have a blockage in the nose.
What Is BiPAP?
BiPAP stands for Bilevel positive airway pressure. It is a mechanical device used to ease breathing and comes with a mask that is indicated to treat sleep apnea and other breathing conditions.
BiPAP is a less common alternative to positive airway pressure (CPAP), but it can be more beneficial in some conditions. For example, CPAP provides consistent air pressure. Meanwhile, BiPAP comes with options for adjusting air pressure during inhalations and exhalations. This provides help for patients who have trouble exhaling against CPAP's constant pressure.
The pressurized settings of the air in BiPAP include:
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Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP): This is the pressure the machine provides as a patient inhales the air. The BiPAP can provide a higher IPAP than the CPAP.
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Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP): This is a type of pressure the machine provides when the patient exhales the air. The BiPAP provides a lower pressure that allows the patient to breathe out.
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Bilevel ST: This gives the timed breath delivery if the machine detects a pause in the patient's breathing manner. These pauses in breath motley are seen in central sleep apnea.
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Auto or Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): These are some advanced settings that adjust the timing, length, and volume of the breaths the machine delivers.
What Are the Differences Between CPAP and BiPAP Machines?
CPAP and BiPAP machines are used in positive airway pressure therapy, which works by using compressed air to open, ventilate and support the upper airway in patients suffering from breathing difficulty. It is a portable machine that generates pressurized air and passes it to the patient's airway through a mask. Both systems use similar masks and other components.
Most CPAP ventilation machines have an adjustable pressure setting that can deliver between 4 to 20 centimeters H2O when the patient is inhaling or exhaling the air. The setting in the machine is between eight to ten centimeters H2O. While CPAP machines have only one setting, some models now have a pressure relief option to adjust the air pressure while exhaling.
However, BiPAP machines have two pressure settings: inhalation-positive airway pressure (IPAP) and exhalation-positive airway pressure (EPAP). This setting provides an option by which the pressure can be adjusted to a lower range during exhalation. Depending on the BiPAP machine's settings, the switch between IPAP and EPAP may be timed or automatically based on the patient's breathing manager. BiPAP machines have a typical pressure range of 4 to 30 centimeters H2O. Both BiPAP and CPAP settings must be adjusted through an overnight sleep study or polysomnography.
There are some other basic differences between both machines. CPAP machines are portable, which makes them easy to use while traveling, while BiPAP machines are home-based. However, BiPAP machines require additional sensors, settings, and setup. Therefore they are more expensive than CPAP machines.
BiPAP vs. CPAP: Which Is Best?
CPAP and BiPAP machines may be similar, but their differences can significantly impact the treatment. Because of their differences, healthcare professionals should always make the decision to switch from one to another.
CPAP patients generally have an adjustment period before they feel comfortable using their machines. Discomfort while using the machine can be managed by adjusting the settings, experimenting with climate control accessories or using different types of masks, or by using a machine that reduces air pressure while exhaling the air. BiPAP treatment is available for patients who can not tolerate CPAP therapy, but a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist makes the decision to switch devices.
Conclusion:
Depending on the patient's condition, administration of CPAP or BiPAP is indicated. Patients with the most common type of obstructive sleep apnea are indicated to use CPAP or BiPAP as the treatment option. In addition, they are often used to treat central sleep apnea, characterized by breathing pauses without obstruction in the airways. It is always recommended to consult the doctor before stopping the use of the device.
