Bi-Pap Vs. CPAP

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you spend your nights snoring, pausing in your breathing, and then resuming your breathing pattern once again. Your doctor may prescribe either a CPAP or a BiPAP machine to treat this sleep disorder.

Identification

• CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, while BiPAP is an acronym for bilevel positive airway pressure. Both systems include a programmable unit that delivers compressed air, a face mask, and tubing to connect the other two components.

Features

• A CPAP machine delivers air at a constant pressure as you inhale and exhale. A BiPAP machine provides two levels of pressure: one when you're inhaling and another when you're exhaling.

Functions

• A CPAP machine creates constant airway resistance, while a BiPAP machine can be programmed to sense when you are exhaling and reduce the amount of compressed air so you don't feel resistance.

Significance

• Many people have trouble adjusting to a CPAP machine because they "fight" the resistance created by the machine when they breathe out. These individuals may better tolerate a BiPAP machine that doesn't force air into their airways when they exhale.

Considerations

• Whether you're using CPAP or BiPAP, there will be an adjustment period while you get used to the feel, sight and sound of the equipment.