BIPAP, VPAP, and Bilevel Machines

There are actually several different machines that are available in the market today that help the sleep apnea patient to breathe better during the sleep cycle. With so many different models and options that these sleep apnea machines offer, it can become confusing very quickly. Your physician will probably recommend the correct machine for your condition; however, you still need to know about the machine and what it does exactly for your condition.

BIPAP Machines

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BIPAP (Bi-Level Positive Air Pressure) machines are the same thing as VPAP (variable positive air pressure) or Bi-level machines. These machines help the patient to breathe better by doing two different things. First, it helps to force air into the lungs. Second, it helps to hold the lungs open so that more oxygen can enter into the lungs. The machine is aided by a mask apparatus that is strapped on to the head and face. As the patient exhales, the machine applies pressure to the lungs so that the air sacs will remain open.

This machine is usually recommended whenever a patient cannot breathe completely by themselves. The BIPAP machine is used whenever the physician is trying to avoid placing a breathing tube in the patient. There are some complications that are associated with the BIPAP machine. Of course, sores around the mask area or soreness in the area and bloating which is caused by swallowing air. The machine is relatively quiet and safe to use.

These machines are referred to as bi-level because they provide two different levels of pressure. Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) and Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) are the two different pressure levels that are offered with these machines.

There are several different modes that are incorporated into these machines that help the patients and the doctors to ensure that the patient will receive a certain predetermined amount of breaths per minute.

o First, there is the "S" mode (spontaneous). This mode is triggered by spontaneous inspiratory that is detected within the patient and then the machine directs the breathing back into EPAP.

o Second, the "T" or timed mode is an option that is used whenever the physician determines that they want the patients breathing to be completely machine triggered and usually a rate of breaths per minute is set (BPM).

o Finally, there is the S/T mode (spontaneous/timed). This mode is used whenever the physician would like to let the patient breathe upon their own but just in case of failed attempts, the machine will automatically be triggered to give the patient a certain amount minimum breaths per minute.

These machines are available in portable options along with several different extra features. For example, flexible chin straps or a built in humidifier are just two to choose from.

The BIPAP machines are very important to a patient in which it is prescribed. There are several different places to purchase the machines from as well as any needed and necessary supplies to go along with it. Shop around between the different manufacturers, if possible, so that you can see who offers the best deal because these machines cost around 00 or so.

BIPAP, VPAP, and Bilevel Machines

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Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Devices

Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure devices (BiPAP) are a variation on the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines and both are prescribed for use with the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Both machines work by pumping airflow through sleep apnea masks to the nasal passageway that is connected via tubing to the BiPAP machinery. Unlike the CPAP which provides airflow at a constant rate and pressure throughout the night, BiPAP adjusts to the amount of air needed based on your inspiration and expiration, changing the level of airflow pressure according to your breathing rhythm.

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A sleep study is performed to establish if the patient has obstructive sleep apnea, and to assess which machine will be most suitable for that person's treatment. In most cases it will be CPAP therapy that is prescribed after the sleep study and this form of treatment is covered by most insurance company policies. However, as the bi-level positive airway pressure devices are more expensive, some insurance companies will not cover this form of treatment unless it is prescribed as necessary by a physician.

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For continued cover of the costs involved, both Medicare and private medical insurers will insist upon follow up consultations with your physician. This is in order to establish and document that the use of either machine is providing an improvement in your symptoms. As both CPAP and BiPAP are treatments that require continuous use every night to improve symptoms and quality of life. Many people find that they cannot use this form of sleep apnea treatment for many reasons as discussed below. It is important to tell your physician if you are finding it difficult to wear the device and they may be able to provide a different sleep apnea mask that is more comfortable for you to wear and use.

The benefits of using CPAP and BiPAP machines

Many studies have shown that CPAP therapy is the best treatment available for severe sleep apnea currently available today. Both bi-level positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure are considered medically safe and effective for use in adults and children alike. Obstructive apnea is effectively treated with continued use and is generally a more effective treatment than undergoing surgery.

Health benefits include:

Drowsiness or sleepiness during the day will improve or be cured

Reaction times and concentration levels often increase with treatment

Both hypertension symptoms and heart function improve with continuous use

Quality of life of the obstructive sleep apnea sufferer improves

The risks of developing other serious diseases that are attributed to severe sleep apnea are reduced

Some studies indicate that life expectancy could be increased

Problems associated with CPAP/BiPAP machine use include:

Due to the rather cumbersome machinery involved the first few nights of usage are often difficult for most patients. Patients either have less sleep than normal or find it impossible to sleep due to discomfort in wearing the sleep apnea masks associated with both machines.

Other possible side effects of usage include:

Feeling claustrophobic or a sense of slow suffocation

Problem with exhalation

Sore/dry throat sensation or sore eyes upon waking

Nasal congestion or sinus problems

Headache

Nose bleeding

Discomfort of the chest muscles which is due to the increased lung volume from the forced airflow

Sleep apnea masks problem like rashes and skin chafing and bruising, or conjunctivitis from an air leakage due to incorrect and loose fitting of the device

Inability to sleep properly long term due to either discomfort or the sound of the machine through the night

It is thought that as many as half of patients who are prescribed with this form of therapy discontinue this form of treatment for one or more reasons

Bi-level positive airway pressure devices can also be used for the treatment of Hypercapnia and some forms of restricted lung disease.

While it is true that this form of obstructive sleep apnea treatment is difficult for the patient to get used to, the benefits of use and subsequent quality of life improvement out way the problems associated with CPAP/BiPAP therapy. Regular follow-up sessions with a physician can help to overcome the difficulty in using and fitting this device and lead to a long term solution for the sleep apnea sufferer.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Devices

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