The Difference Between CPAPs and BiPAPs in Lubbock, TX

The CPAP and the BiPAP are both common treatments for sleep apnea, and they both use airway pressure to treat some pauses that occur in breathing during sleep for affected individuals. However, the types of technologies used in delivering those treatments can differ slightly, and each technology has its own set of unique benefits. So, while the treatments are essentially used to deliver the same end result, there are enough differences that one may pose a better treatment option for you than the other.

With this in mind, here’s some information about CPAPs and BiPAPs in Lubbock, TX.

CPAPs vs. BiPAPs

CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.” This is the most popular type of treatment used for sleep apnea. It features air pressure that gets generated by a machine and then sent through a tube into a mask that covers the user’s nose or mouth.

The “bi” in BiPAP indicates there are two levels of positive airway pressure. Similar to the CPAP machine, the air gets sent through a tube into a mask covering the nose. However, while CPAP delivers just one pressure, BiPAP delivers both an inhale and exhale pressure.

So, which is better? It really depends on the patient’s own circumstances. Typically, doctors will attempt to treat with CPAP first, and then use BiPAP if the user does not tolerate CPAP treatment. However, with more new technologies that aid in delivering better comfort along with CPAP, this is not as frequently necessary as it once was.

BiPAP is also a common option for patients who have some pulmonary issues, such as COPD, to consider. The pressure differences help to eliminate some extra carbon dioxide gas from the body that can become problematic for people with lung problems. BiPAP is also commonly prescribed for people who have coronary artery disease or various neurological disorders. There are some patients with neuromuscular disorders who can also benefit from the use of the treatment.

The machines themselves look very similar (both tend to be about the size of a lunchbox), but the BiPAP machine has an additional pressure setting. If the person using the BiPAP machine does not breathe for a specific amount of time, the BiPAP can be set to deliver a breath automatically, usually with a setting as a minimum breath or backup rate. This setting is specifically designed to ensure the patient breathes a certain number of times per minute. Otherwise, both machines have the exact same attachments, including a mask, hose, filter and humidifier. Both also come in highly portable versions that you can easily take with you as needed.

By having an exhale setting in addition to an inhale setting (unlike the single setting of CPAP), BiPAP decreases the strain experienced during expiration, limiting the amount of energy the person expends during exhalation. This means it’s easier for a person to exhale with a BiPAP machine than with a CPAP machine.

For more information about the differences between CPAPs and BiPAPs in Lubbock, TX, we encourage you to contact the team at Stat Biomedical Inc. today with any questions you have.

Categorised in: CPAPs and BiPAPs

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