If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’re probably quite familiar with the symptoms and serious health risks of this condition. You may also be acquainted with CPAP machines and CPAP masks. Although many patients are able to successfully treat their sleep apnea with the use of CPAP supplies, some may find using these machines to be frustrating or uncomfortable. Although CPAP machines have been used for years to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea, there is an alternative: BiPAP machines. If you’re wondering about BiPAP vs CPAP machines, the following may help you to determine which is right for you.
BiPAP machines are actually quite similar in function and design to a CPAP. They’re both non-invasive therapy treatments that deliver pressurized air to your airways through a mask. The main difference, however, is that BiPAPs have two pressure settings, while CPAP machines have only one. BiPAP machines have a setting for prescribed inhalation pressure and a lower pressure setting for exhalation. In other words, the machine allows you to have a different setting for breathing in and another for breathing out.
Many sleep apnea sufferers complain that because their CPAP machines have only one setting that’s used throughout the night, it can feel like a lot of work to exhale. Some people feel like they’re being forced to breathe air out, which can be difficult and uncomfortable. For patients who have high pressure settings or lower oxygen levels, a BiPAP alternative would be ideal. In addition, patients who have tried CPAP machines but have not been successful in their treatment may benefit from trying BiPAP, as it can make sleep more comfortable throughout the night. It can also be a good choice for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.
Ultimately, both machines are designed to accomplish the same thing and function in very similar ways. However, BiPAP gives sleep apnea sufferers a bit more customization and comfort. Like any type of sleep apnea machine, BiPAPs and CPAPs can take some getting used to. To find out more about sleep apnea treatment methods, be sure to contact a sleep specialist or your physician. And if you think you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, be sure to take a home sleep test to determine your risk.