The BiPAP, or bilevel machine, features two levels of pressure settings– one pressure as you inhale, and a lower pressure when you exhale. This makes a more comfortable experience for those who may have difficulty breathing out against a fixed pressure.
What Is a BiPAP Machine & How Does BiPAP Therapy Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (also known as BiPAP, or BPAP) machines are a type of non-invasive ventilation device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), among other types of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. BiPAP therapy utilizes two different pressure levels to provide positive pressure ventilation:
Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP): Higher air pressure is delivered during inhalation.
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP): Lower pressure is maintained during exhalation.
What Does A BiPAP Machine Do?
A BiPAP machine normalizes your breathing by sending pressurized air into your upper airway. BiPAP machines utilize two different pressure levels to provide positive pressure ventilation during BiPAP therapy. The pressure settings for the different air pressure levels is based on your individual breathing patterns as well as the severity and type of sleep apnea. Sleep specialists can optimize your treatment options by prescribing the correct air pressure settings for your sleep apnea treatment based on their analysis of your symptoms and the results of your sleep study. These settings can be adjusted as assessed by your sleep medicine specialist if necessary (a process known as titration).
What Is The Difference Between BiPAP Machines and CPAP Machines?
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are both forms of non-invasive ventilation that deliver pressurized air in order to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory health conditions, but they function differently.
CPAP Therapy - A CPAP machine is a positive airway pressure machine that treats OSA by delivering a continuous pressure of airflow at one pressure setting in order to keep your airways open throughout the night.
BiPAP Therapy - BiPAP machines provide two levels of air pressure: a higher air pressure for inhalation (IPAP) and a lower air pressure level for exhalation (EPAP).
Benefits Of BiPAP Treatment
Your sleep specialist may prescribe at BiPAP machine if an APAP or CPAP machine is not working effectively for any number of various reasons. In addition to obstructive sleep apnea your healthcare provider may prescribe a BiPAP machine if you’re diagnosed with a more complex sleep apnea or breathing disorder such as Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), among others.
Keeping your BiPAP machine regularly cleaned and maintained not only promotes the longevity of your device but also ensures more effective BiPAP therapy and improved hygiene. Be sure to review and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your BiPAP machine. You can find more helpful BiPAP cleaning tips below:
Empty any remaining water from your humidifier water chamber and rinse with distilled water before allowing to air dry in a clean, dry location. This should be done on a daily basis.
Wash your humidifier water chamber with warm soapy water before rinsing and air dried, This process should be completed on a weekly basis.
Disconnect your BiPAP tubing and wash in warm soapy water daily. Rinse and allow to air dry. You can also clean your tubing with a 1:3 vinegar to water ratio on a weekly basis (rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry).
Disposable air filters should be replaced every 2 weeks and checked regularly for buildup, debris, discoloration, and clogging. Reusable filters can be washed and air dried.
BiPAP machines should be wiped down with a damp cloth on a monthly basis, but be sure that no moisture makes its way inside your machine. Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as bleach or alcohol-based solutions.
Distilled water should be used in your humidifier water chamber to prevent mineral deposits.
BiPAP machine lifespans can differ based on various factors such as how well your machine is maintained, how often you use your machine, and the quality of your BiPAP device. Generally BiPAP machines last an average of 5 years and it is typically recommended to replace your device at that time.
Learn more about the ideal replacement schedule for your sleep apnea therapy supplies with this helpful blog.
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