CPAP Vs BiPAP: What Is The Difference?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you are likely to have been introduced to either CPAP or BiPAP treatment options. But what exactly is different in these two treatment options? In this article, we cover CPAP vs. BiPAP treatment options to help you better understand the therapy options so you can make a suitable choice of treatment.
In treating sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is the most common form of treatment, followed by BiPAP therapy. CPAP is short for continuous positive airway pressure, while BiPAP is short for bilevel positive airway pressure.
CPAP Therapy
CPAP therapy works by introducing a continuous air flow from a CPAP machine into your CPAP mask while you sleep at night, ensuring an open airway and sufficient oxygen flow, allowing for easier breathing during sleep.
Different CPAP machines and CPAP masks are available for people with different conditions and have different needs. For example, CPAP machines can vary in pressure levels, so be sure to choose one that offer pressure levels prescribed by your doctor. CPAP machines can also be either big and bulky or small and compact, which offer you different choices depending on your lifestyles and travelling routines.
As for CPAP masks, some are suited for those who primarily breathe through the nose, while some are suited for those who primarily breathe through the nose. Some masks are also made for active sleepers who tend to move around a lot during sleep, while some are optimized for comfort.
BiPAP Therapy
BiPAP Therapy is very similar to CPAP Therapy, as it works by delivering air flow to ensure sufficient oxygen levels during sleep. However, BiPAP therapy offers two different pressure levels, and the machine alternates between these levels. This allows patients to breathe in at a higher-pressure level and breathe out at a lower pressure level, making the treatment process more tolerable.
BiPAP Therapy is often used for people that struggle with CPAP treatment and those that experience air swallowing often. The machines and masks used do not differ that much from its CPAP counterpart, as both treatment options work in almost the same way.
Which Treatment option should You Choose?
For people who experience obstructive sleep apnea, most doctors recommend starting CPAP treatment first. However, those that experience central sleep apnea are recommended to start with BiPAP treatment.
Central sleep apnea is similar to obstructive sleep apnea, except that they are usually linked to existing medical conditions and breathing problems stems from pauses in breathing instead of blocked airways like in obstructive sleep apnea.
The best way to find out which treatment option is more suitable for you is to consult a medical professional. If you are looking for CPAP machines, CPAP cleaners, sanitizers or any other medical equipment, Patient Solutions has got you covered. Patient Solutions offer medical equipment solutions and strongly provides support to active-duty servicemen and retired military service members.
