Bipap Vs Cpap
Cpap (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and Bipap (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) are two treatments for sleep apnea. Each therapy is slightly different, but both provide many of the same benefits to the patient.
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Cpap Machine
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A Cpap machine provides continuous air pressure at a medically suggested level to treat various types of sleep apnea. Because the air is continually flowing from a mask, it forces the throat to stay open to prevent episodes of sleep apnea.
Bipap Machine
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A Bipap machine has different levels of pressure during inhalation and exhalation. This makes it easier for people to adjust to the machine. Because of its easier application, a Bipap is often a better method for people suffering from congestive heart failure, neuromuscular diseases or various lung disorders.
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Cpap Test
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The best way to measure the usefulness of a Cpap machine for a patient is through a monitored sleep study, where a sleep technician measures and monitors a patient's breathing, heart rate and neural activity. During this sleep study, the technician can regulate the machine to provide the most effective sleep therapy.
Bipap Test
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Although you can do a Bipap test during a sleep study as well, there are other alternatives. One option is a respiratory test that requires you to breathe into a machine to measure your lung capacity. Another good test is the Forced Vital capacity test, which tests how deep a breath you can take.
Cpap Advantages
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Cpap is beneficial for patients who have moderately severe to severe sleep apnea.
Bipap Advantages
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Bipap is beneficial for patients who suffer from lung diseases such as COPD. They often don't have the lung capacity to keep breathing in their sleep, and benefit from machines that provides additional air during inhalation so patients can increase their lung capacity.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit CPAP Machine by Karen Scott
