You or someone you know might have a sleep disorder, for example, sleep apnea. If that’s the case, you’ve likely heard about CPAP and BiPAP machines; these devices are made to make breathing smooth when you’re sleeping. However, they’ve got their own way of doing this and each is used for different reasons. In this article, we’re going to look at how CPAP machines are separate from BiPAP machines, the good and bad sides of each device, and an advice on picking the best one for you.
What is BiPAP?
Bipap means “bilevel positive airway pressure.” It’s a machine that’s similar to a CPAP, because it also blows air to keep your breathing path clear while you sleep–but it’s different because of the way it pushes that air out. You can find both kinds of machines at a CPAP store. They help by giving air pressure so your breathing doesn’t get blocked while you snooze. The spectacular thing about BiPAP is that it gives you two different pressures: you get more pressure when you breathe in and less when you breathe out. That’s really useful for people who find it tough to breathe out when a CPAP machine is giving them a steady stream of air to breathe in.
Differences between CPAP and BiPAP
Cpap machines keep a steady pressure all night–but BiPAP machines have two kinds of pressure – one for when you breathe in and another for when you breathe out. Also, CPAP machines are usually for helping with obstructive sleep apnea–but BiPAP machines can help with obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
When to use CPAP vs. BiPAP?
CPAP machines are typically recommended as a first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, if you have difficulty exhaling against the constant pressure of a CPAP machine or if you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a BiPAP machine instead.
Pros and cons of each type of machine
CPAP Pros
- Effective at treating obstructive sleep apnea
- Simple and easy to use
- Less expensive than BiPAP machines
CPAP Cons
- The constant pressure can be difficult for some people to tolerate
- May cause dry mouth or nose
- May cause discomfort if the mask is not properly fitted
BiPAP Pros
- Two levels of pressure can be helpful for people who have difficulty exhaling against the constant pressure of a CPAP machine
- Can be used to treat both obstructive and central sleep apnea
- May be more comfortable for some people
BiPAP Cons
- More expensive than CPAP machines
- More complicated to use
- May cause discomfort if the mask is not properly fitted
How to choose between CPAP and BiPAP?
If your doctor told you that you have obstructive sleep apnea and you’re okay with the always-on pressure of a CPAP machine, they’ll probably say you should use it first–but if you find it tough to breathe out with the CPAP’s non-stop pressure, or you’ve got two kinds of sleep apnea – the obstructive kind and central apnea, then your doc might suggest trying out a BiPAP machine instead.
When picking between CPAP and BiPAP, you must think about what you really need and what you enjoy. You should think about how bad your sleep apnea is, if you can handle the machine’s pressure, and how much cash you’ll drop and how tricky it is to use the machine.
In conclusion
Cpap and BiPAP machines both help with sleep apnea, which is a sleep problem where you stop breathing for a bit. How they work is a bit different, and they don’t handle all types of sleep apnea the same way. If your doctor said you have sleep apnea, ask them which machine you should use.
Ready to take control of your sleep apnea? Talk to your doctor today to determine whether a CPAP or BiPAP machine is the best choice for you. Don’t let your sleep disorder continue to disrupt your life – take action and start getting the restful sleep you deserve. Contact your doctor now and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
