BiPAP vs CPAP

The impact of technology in the medical field can never be underestimated. If you look at the statistics, with the introduction of technology the mortality rate in most countries has drastically gone down. Though there is a lot that still remains out of human control, machines like BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) have given hope to people affected with respiratory disorders and other health problems like sleep apnea. In this article, I present a BiPAP vs CPAP comparison that will illuminate the major points of difference in the operation of both machines.

The motive power that we get for every function of the body is powered by our breath, which in turn is controlled by the operation of the lungs. However, when the lungs get weaker due to diseases like asthma or conditions like sleep apnea affect breathing rate, artificial help is needed to aid breathing. With this purpose, CPAP and BiPAP were developed. In medical terminology, such artificial aids are known as non invasive ventilation (NIV) methods. In cases of acute respiratory failure, thanks to the use of these NIV machines, patients get substantial relief and are set back on the path to recovery.

Difference Between CPAP and BiPAP

In case you are undergoing a treatment for sleep apnea or other severe respiratory disorders, buying or renting CPAP or BiPAP machines is necessary. It is essential that you know the difference between BiPAP and CPAP, which will normally be explained by your physician. Here you can find it on your own, through the CPAP vs BiPAP comparison presented below.

Difference in Working
Let me explain the basic difference in working of BiPAP and CPAP machines. Both are positive airway pressure machines that provide respiratory ventilation. They are made up of a compressor device with pressure control settings, a hose and a face mask. In case of CPAP machines, that predate the BiPAP ones, a constant positive air pressure is maintained to keep the airways open and prevent obstruction due to muscle relaxation. This makes them extremely helpful in the treatment of sleep apnea, where patients face breathing problems due to obstruction of airways. The CPAP machine was invented by Professor Colin Sullivan in Sidney, in 1981. The BiPAP machines were developed much later in the last decade of the 20th century.

BiPAP machines also known as VPAP (Variable Positive Airway Pressure), are different from CPAP. They are effective alternatives to CPAP. They deliver two pressure levels instead of one. The pressure variation between the two levels is synchronized to assist the inhalation and exhalation of air during every respiratory cycle. It comes in two special types called 'Spontaneous' or 'Timed'.

As you might have guessed, in spontaneous BiPAP, the pressure variation is adjusted according to the breathing rate of a person, while in 'Timed' machines, it is preset. These machines increase air pressure after inhalation and decrease the pressure after exhalation, thus assisting breathing.

Difference in Applications
So the main point of difference in this BiPAP vs CPAP comparison is that, BiPAP provides two pressure levels, while CPAP provides only one. CPAP machines are ideally suited for treatment of sleep apnea and related disorders. However, they are not well suited for people with respiratory disorders. That is because it requires more effort to exhale air, with a constant high pressure level maintained in a CPAP. This demands increased effort from the patient while breathing.

Problems with CPAP demanded modification, which led to the development of BiPAP machines. CPAP treatment is reserved for sleep apnea patients mostly. BiPAP machines are preferred over CPAP in all other cases.

BiPAP machines are used in the treatment of people recovering from respiratory disorders like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those who suffer from respiratory failure. BiPAP settings need to be understood quite well by users, to derive maximum benefit of their usage.

Hope this BiPAP vs CPAP comparison has left you in no doubt about which machine is suitable for what kind of disorder. Installing and using these machines at home is quite simple due to the compact size and simple setup. Asthmatic patients recovering from a major attack can substantially benefit from the use of BiPAP machines, till their lungs fully recover. They can live a normal life with a regular intake of oxygen from these machines for a fixed period of time. Sleep apnea patients can have sound sleep with the CPAP mask attached. Make sure that you have thorough knowledge of its working and setup before you start using one.