Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Your doctor may prescribe one of two types of sleep apnea machines for your sleeping disorder: a CPAP or BiPAP machine. Which do you believe is the best? The CPAP has been a literal lifesaver, keeping airways open so those with sleep apnea can sleep without the dangers of not breathing.
The Differences Between the CPAP and the BiPAP
The CPAP machine is designed to increase pressure when you inhale, keeping the airways in the nose, throat, and mouth from closing while you sleep. This has been a great help to many people who suffer from sleep apnea and may stop breathing several times throughout the night.
On the other hand, the BiPAP machine may also help. It uses the same setup as a CPAP with tubing, masks, and a machine, but it uses a different setting. The CPAP uses one pressure, while the BiPAP uses two: inhalation pressure (IPAP) and exhalation pressure (EPAP).
While the CPAP works as the person inhales, the BiPAP provides more breathing assistance. It is prescribed for patients with congestive heart failure, other serious heart and lung diseases, and nerve and muscle problems.
The BiPAP is preset with two settings: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. When the person sleeping does not breathe for a certain amount of time, the BiPAP increases pressure and forces them to take a breath. There are higher-level CPAP machines that can do this as well. These machines require a breathes per minute (BPM) setting targeted to the individual’s specific breathing needs.
Both machines are designed to ensure users breathe a set number of times per minute. One main benefit of the BiPAP machine is that the pressure decreases as the person breathes out, making breathing easier and promoting a more restful sleep.
The BiPAP machine is not large or noisy. It is designed to make the least amount of noise possible so you can sleep. It may also include a humidifier, making it a higher-end machine than the CPAP.
The main difference between these two machines depends on the needs of the patient. The machine that will help each individual with their specific breathing problems will be based on the doctor’s examinations and recommendations. A sleep test will be conducted to determine the necessary settings for the required type of machine.
The CPAP machine is typically used for mild sleep apnea, although this is still a dangerous condition. The choice of machine depends on the severity of sleep apnea. Both machines are beneficial and crucial in ensuring proper breathing for individuals with sleep apnea.
It’s important to note that sleep apnea machines are not ventilators and do not breathe for you. They simply ensure that you take the appropriate number of breaths per minute as determined by your doctor. After conducting tests to determine the correct number, your doctor will advise you on which machine they believe is most suitable for your needs.
