BiPAP Machine is Variation on CPAP
An alternate to CPAP, BiPAP is a similarly effective way to treat sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea is a condition involving an obstructed airway that prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs, the treatment options primarily focus on maintaining an open airway to facilitate sufficient airflow through the airway and prevent the sudden awakening of the body to resume breathing. The primary treatment option for sleep apnea involves use of a CPAP machine, but there are various problems associated with it that make it difficult for some people to continue this therapy. As a result, there are some alternatives to CPAP that may be better suited to some sleep apnea sufferers.
CPAP, BiPAP, and Treatment of Apnea
Within the general distinction of CPAP, BiPAP is just a slight variation. CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure and BiPAP stands for bi-level positive air pressure. Both machines function with the help of a breathing mask that delivers oxygen to the lungs from a pressurized machine. The machine pumps the oxygen into the lungs to prevent the airway from collapsing, maintaining a constant airflow at all times. There are many different types of CPAP BiPAP machines that vary the way the oxygen is delivered to or pumped into the lungs.
Unlike CPAP, BiPAP machines do not maintain a constant pressure for the entire breathing cycle. CPAP machines have a set pressure for both inhaling and exhaling. As a result, some people find that it is difficult to exhale properly or completely because the machine is maintaining the same pressure as when it pumped oxygen into the lungs. BiPAP machines, in contrast, automatically adjust the pressure of oxygen for inhaling and exhaling. Because it requires more force to push air into the lungs than to allow it to be expelled during exhalation, the air pressure increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation. The whole breathing process becomes easier and more natural, and sleep apnea sufferers endure less discomfort from the BiPAP machine.
Regardless of which machine you choose to try or use on a regular basis, studies and experience show that these treatments have dramatic effects on preventing sleep apnea. Although it may initially be hard to get used to wearing a breathing mask or breathing pressurized air, the health improvements and reduction of health risks will be worth it. There are many accessories that can be added to the basic CPAP or BiPAP machine that also make the machines more comfortable and easy to use, so look for what you need before giving up on the treatment altogether.
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