BiPAP vs CPAP indications

BiPAP vs CPAP indications. Both CPAP and BiPAP machines come with a number of accessories with some similar parts like the hose and mask. Some editions come with humidifiers to keep the airway moist and heated tubing.

CPAP machines come with pressure settings that one can regulate from the range of 4 to 20cm H2o (centimeters of water pressure) inhaling or exhaling notwithstanding.

Bipap machines have two pressure settings which are IPAP which refers to inspiratory positive airway pressure and EPAP which refers to expiratory positive airway pressure.

The IPAP settings work when you inhale, increasing pressure for easier respiration while the EPAP setting decreases pressure when one exhales, easing the breathing process.

The switch from IPAP to EPAP may be set automatically according to the breathing pattern of the user or can be timed. The pressure of a BiPAP machine ranges from 4 t0 25cm H2o.

Though a CPAP machine has one setting, new models in the market have an inbuilt sensor that helps reduce air pressure when exhaling. One cannot set exhalation pressure on a CPAP machine unlike the EPAP setting on the BiPAP machine.

APAP on the other hand is automated to adjust to an individual’s breathing needs which change from time to time especially when one is sleeping. How does this machine know when to make adjustments?

It is fitted with technology that will keep on measuring how much your body opposes breathing every now and then and when it senses an air event such as snoring or hypopnea, it will add on or reduce pressure.

Compared to CPAP machines, APAP machines only give the amount of pressure that is required by the body at that moment. It has been recommended to patients experiencing CPAP therapy difficulties and to those with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) conditions.