A series of sleep disorders known as sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing that occur while a person is sleeping. The most prevalent kind is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is brought on by a tightening of the neck muscles during sleep.
A difficulty with the signals in the brain causes central sleep apnea, which disrupts normal breathing patterns during sleep. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a disorder that occurs less frequently. If you have this syndrome, it indicates that you have obstructive and central sleep apnea simultaneously.
If treatment is not sought for one of these sleeping disorders, there is a risk to the patient’s life. The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is the primary focus of this article (OSA).
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your physician may advise you to use breathing machines known as positive airway pressure (PAP) devices while you sleep to keep your airway open.
PAP machines deliver air at a pressure that is just slightly higher than what is required to prevent the upper airway from collapsing while you are sleeping. You put a mask over your nose and occasionally your mouth to connect to this equipment. You inhale and exhale via the mask. Because of this, you won’t need to exert much effort to breathe and won’t be roused from sleep either.
Three primary machines are used to treat sleep apnea, which are referred to as APAP, CPAP, and BiPAP.
In this article, we will compare and contrast CPAP and BiPAP so that you and your physician can select the treatment that will be most effective for your particular condition.
CPAP
The use of a machine that offers assistance to keep your airway open while you are asleep is the treatment that is considered to be the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea patients. This is something that can be done with regular use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
With continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a patient wears a face mask that delivers pressured room air at a steady flow. In addition, there is other portable CPAP equipment designed specifically for travel.
How does CPAP work to cure sleep apnea, and how much pressure should be applied? A physician often chooses this airflow pressure setting in accordance with the patient’s requirements. It is possible to assess this throughout the course of a sleep study, or it may be calculated using risk variables like your anatomy and weight.
An appropriate pressure setting is intended to avoid both apnea and snoring, and it should lower the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to below five. Additionally, it should improve the additional symptoms that are associated with sleep apnea.
Auto-continuous positive airway pressure, often known as APAP, is a form of treatment that is related to CPAP and involves a device that delivers varying pressures. When it senses restriction in the upper airway, the pressure that is provided will automatically adjust itself to fall within a predetermined range.
BiPAP
Bilevel positive airway pressure, or BiPAP for short, is a comparable treatment; however, there are significant differences between the two. The firm Respironics has trademarked the term BiPAP. (The product is known as VPAP by ResMed, which is the other main producer.)
The term “bilevel” reflects the fact that the device is able to switch between two different pressure settings. Because of this, you will be able to breathe in at a greater pressure and breathe out against a slightly lower pressure.
Those people who are having trouble adapting to CPAP might find this helpful. It might help with breathing and air swallowing (known as aerophagia). It may also be beneficial for those who have claustrophobia. Bilevel therapy may be necessary when the pressures are greater to increase the patient’s comfort. This is especially true for PAP pressures which are 15 cm of water pressure or more.
From the exterior, the machine might not seem much distinct from a CPAP in any way other than having a different label or being a different color. The same tubes and face masks used in CPAP therapy are also required for this method. Nevertheless, there are specific scenarios in which it is likely to be more successful.
CPAP Vs. BiPAP: Which One is Best For Your Needs?
Both CPAP and BiPAP machines have a similar appearance, are equipped with the same attachments, and make use of the same CPAP mask and supplies. On the other hand, each therapy for sleep apnea serves a certain function and comes with its own set of benefits.
BiPAP devices are often used to treat central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, and COPD, whereas CPAP machines are also used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common kind of sleep apnea.
It is more effective for those with mild to severe sleep apnea to use CPAP equipment. Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to a disease called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), which may require CPAP treatment.
If your doctor believes that a BiPAP machine is the best option for you, it simply indicates that you can no longer handle CPAP therapy or that you require a greater degree of care. So, BiPAP devices are utilized to treat more severe forms of the disorder.
Customers whose sleep apnea may be treated with either CPAP or BiPAP should be aware that BiPAP has historically been more expensive than CPAP. This fact may impact consumers’ decisions.
The CPAP machine is significantly less expensive than the BiPAP machine in terms of the purchase price. Based on current market prices, the BiPAP machine costs twice as much as a normal CPAP machine. BiPAP devices are equipped with more functionality than a typical CPAP device. While CPAP equipment may be used on the go, BiPAP machines are often large and cumbersome.
Sleep apnea patients can use either equipment, but they must first receive a prescription before purchasing one. In addition, for optimal performance, both the CPAP and BiPAP equipment must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
It is up to the user to decide which machine is most comfortable for them, but in general, a BiPAP is used when the user cannot tolerate CPAP. During expiration, there is less pressure on the patient because of the BiPAP machine, which is only one of its numerous benefits. Because of this, the quantity of energy that is wasted during exhalation is reduced.
To put it another way, the BiPAP makes exhaling far less difficult compared to the CPAP.
Those who have tried CPAP in the past and found it uncomfortable may want to reconsider giving it another shot now that there are technological solutions available that make it more comfortable.
Several other kinds of ventilatory support devices, such as Adaptive Servo Ventilation, can be used in the event that CPAP and BiPAP are ineffective treatments for your sleep apnea (ASV).
Difference Between Auto CPAP And BiLevel CPAP
CPAP and BiPAP devices are both kinds of positive airway pressure treatment, which employ compressed air to open and maintain the airway while the patient is asleep. By using a tube and mask system, a portable machine creates and delivers the pressured air to the user’s airway. Both sets of equipment make use of masks, tubes, and other parts that are identical to those found in the other.
All CPAP machines, no matter which way the user inhales or exhales, have an adjustable setting that delivers an air pressure between 4 and 20 cm H2O (a unit of air pressure equal to centimetres of water pressure). Two pressure settings available on a BiPAP machine allow for reduced pressure levels during exhalation: inhalation positive airway pressure (IPAP) and exhalation positive airway pressure (EPAP).
If the user’s breathing patterns change, the BiPAP machine may convert between IPAP and EPAP automatically or at a predetermined period. In general, the pressure range of a BiPAP machine is 4 to 25 cm H2O.
A sensor in some newer CPAP devices allows for a more gradual decrease in air pressure as the user exhales. Therefore, when using a BiPAP machine, exhalation pressure may only be set somewhat lower than the total pressure setting.
There are compact CPAP devices for travel and BiPAP machines for home use. However, BiPAP machines cost more than CPAP machines because they require extra sensors and settings.
There is some crossover in the effectiveness of different PAP therapies for different illnesses. For example, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who can’t tolerate CPAP are usually prescribed CPAP, and sleep experts are unlikely to put them on BiPAP.
CPAP and BiPAP are both covered by some insurance companies, although proof that CPAP therapy is inadequate is typically required before BiPAP equipment may be reimbursed. Structured airway assistance during sleep is required for various medical conditions, including central sleep apnea (CSA), cardiopulmonary problems, and neurological ones.
Accessories for both CPAP and BiPAP devices can be purchased separately or integrated into the machine itself. The most typical examples include humidifiers and heated tubing, both of which are used for climate control and data collection.
The basic differences between the two are:
There is only one air pressure setting when using CPAP machines, but with BiPAP machines, there are two.
- By delivering constant pressure to the airways: the CPAP machine aids with breathing. BIPAP patients inhale at high pressure and exhale with low pressure because of this.
- CPAP machines do not have the ability to modify the air pressure as easily as BiPAP machines.
- In order to use a CPAP machine, patients must exert additional effort.
- When it comes to sleep apnea, CPAP is a good option, but BiPAP is better for people with specific lung conditions like COPD.
Tips to Tolerate The CPAP/BiPAP Device
1. Be Aware of The Advantages
To put it simply, this is a no-brainer. It’s important to recognize why you’re adjusting to your new gadget. This might spur you on to a heroic Endeavor.
2. Use it to Your Advantage
Your physician has recommended this device so that you might get the benefits mentioned above. It has been provided to you by your insurance company, or at the very least, to help you pay for it. After all this time, you’ve finally got your machine. Take advantage of this chance to enhance your quality of life by reducing your risk of disease and living longer.
3. Get Used to it Gradually
Wearing it all night the first night has been reported by several patients as the best night’s sleep they have ever experienced. The adjustment period for most patients is lengthy. However, many people report that gradually weaning themselves off of it has a substantial positive influence on their health.
You may, for instance, set your first night’s goal at an hour and your second night’s target at two hours. After that, you may progressively increase the number of hours you sleep with it on. You’ll get accustomed to it and sleep the entire night without any problems after a while.
4. Be Aware That There Are a Variety of Masks to Choose From
Your healthcare practitioner may present you with a variety of masks to choose from, and there’s a good possibility they have access to many more that might be ideal for you. Aside from the three mentioned above, there are several other possibilities for face masks and nasal pillows.
Make an appointment with your healthcare professional to discover if any alternative masks would work better for you. In order to locate the right mask for your needs, you may have to experiment with a variety of them.
5. Get in Touch With Your CPAP/BiPAP Supplier
The majority of the time, they are home health care agencies. If you’re still having problems, contact the company that provides your equipment. They have a lot of experience assisting people who are new to CPAP or BiPAP machines to get used to their new devices. Whenever you have any concerns, do not hesitate to call them. You may rely on them for support.
Takeaway
The problem isn’t yours to solve. Based on your sleep study findings and your clinic evaluation, your sleep expert should be able to determine your therapy needs. If you have any issues with your sleep apnea therapy, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
Even though it may be difficult at first, you must persevere with your CPAP or BiPAP equipment. If not treated, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have serious side effects, including heart disease and excessive daytime drowsiness.
Make sure your doctor and CPAP/BiPAP provider help you choose the optimum mask and device for you. It’s crucial to see a sleep doctor regularly so they can diagnose and correct any issues that may arise. In addition, finding the right settings and getting acclimated to the mask might take some time.
These devices have the potential to improve your health and well-being over time if used diligently.
