subject: Cpapvs. Bi-pap How Are They Different? [print this page] Basically the PAP (positive airway pressure) is a breathing device which is used to treat disorders with breathing like sleep apnea. CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is amechanical ventilation device which is mostly used to treat sleep apnea. Bi-PAP is a machine that helps people to breathe in more air into the lungs.
Both these breathing machines have three components-
1 The flow generator which delivers the airflow.
2 The nasal or full-face mask interface.
3 The hose which links the generator with the interface.
Not just sleep apnea; these instruments are widely used to treat other medical ailments such as pulmonary-edema and COPD exacerbation.
The difference-
Many different models of breathing machines are available in the market and it is easy to find a machine that best suits the person.
CPAP machines deliver a pre-set pressure level. It releases the compressed air via a hose to the masks and keeps the airway(upper) open under the continuous pressure of air. This thus helps to fight against the narrowing of the airway. The airway is narrowed during sleep generally due to the relaxation of the upper tract muscles. These machines increase the flow of oxygen as it keeps the air tract open. Along with sleep apnea, these machines are also used for curing neuromuscular problems and respiratory diseases.
Automatic-CPAP machines are the latest ones which automatically adjusts the level of air pressure according to the patients need at a particular instance of time.
It delivers an air pressure in the range 4 to 20 cm H2O.
Bi-pap is a non-invasive ventilation machine that delivers two different levels of air pressure. The IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) is a high degree of air pressure used while inhaling. On the other hand, EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) is a low degree of air pressure used while exhaling. These machines are suggested for people having different sleep apnea related problems and also in case of many heart-related and respiratory disorders.
Its treatment is generally prescribed for those patients who are not able to resist the CPAP machine or in case the patient has other respiratory problems as well in addition to sleep apnea.
Automatic-CPAP machines are the latest ones which automatically adjusts the level of air pressure according to the patients need at a particular instance of time.
Many different models of breathing machines are available in the market and it is easy to find a machine that best suits the person.
