What Is A BIPAP Machine: BIPAP Guide

In contrast to the CPAP machine, which provides a continuous air stream, the BiPAP offers two pressure settings for use while sleeping: a higher pressure during inhalation and decreased pressure during expiration.

In this article, ApriaDirect uncovers everything you need to know about the BIPAP, how to use it, its different parts, working & side effects!

About 40 years ago, in June 1980, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device inventor Colin Sullivan conducted the first clinical trials. Dr. Sullivan tested his invention on a patient whose sleep apnea was so severe that a tracheotomy was considered a treatment option. The patient, however, declined such a radical operation, and as an alternative, Dr. Sullivan conducted the world's first CPAP therapy.

During the procedure, Sullivan noted that when he increased the pressure, the patient's breathing returned to normal; however, when the pressure was lowered, the patient experienced apnea episodes once more. The success of Sullivan's CPAP machine in treating sleep apnea rapidly gained widespread acknowledgment in the medical field. Today, CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea.

With rapid innovation in the medical field, positive airway therapy devices have evolved for comfort, discretion, and portability. Manufacturers are constantly developing new ways to meet the unique requirements of millions of patients worldwide. This saw the invention of bilevel-positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy in 1990.

In contrast to the CPAP machine, which provides a continuous air stream, the BiPAP offers two pressure settings for use while sleeping: a higher pressure during inhalation and decreased pressure during expiration. This provides a more natural and comfortable breathing experience for those struggling with CPAP compliance. BiPAP therapy also offers treatment solutions for various respiratory disorders and is widely used as ventilation for intensive care patients.

In this article, ApriaDirect uncovers everything you need to know about the BIPAP, how to use it, its different parts, working, and side effects!

What Is A BiPAP Machine?

The term "BiPAP" or "BPAP"' stands for bilevel positive airway pressure. This method of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) includes the use of a mask to deliver pressurized air that helps facilitate natural breathing. BiPAP devices, like CPAP sleep apnea machines, are simple to use, compact, and relatively silent.

BiPap therapy is commonly utilized for people experiencing respiratory failure due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). BiPAP decreases the strain on respiratory muscles, increasing blood oxygenation and reducing carbon dioxide levels.

The term "bilevel" refers to the fact that these devices can be configured to two pressure settings.

• Inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP): Allows the air pressure from a BiPAP machine to increase with each inhalation.

• Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP): Allows the air pressure from a BiPAP machine to decrease with each exhalation.

Certain BiPAP machines allow you to set a target number of breaths per minute. The machine will continue to provide that amount until you turn it off.

What Are the Uses of BiPAP Machines?

BiPAP therapy is most commonly used as a treatment solution for a person with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or COPD. Sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea, is a condition characterized by irregular breathing during sleep.

BiPAP is used to treat sleep apnea:

• When CPAP fails to treat OSA effectively

• In severe instances of OSA

• The presence of central sleep apnea

The acronym COPD describes a group of disorders affecting the respiratory system and making breathing difficult. COPD symptoms can be treated using BiPAP equipment. This therapy is beneficial for opening the airways during sleep. In addition, it promotes well-being and health by improving the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during inhalation and exhalation.

Other reasons BiPAP therapy might be prescribed include:

• Pickwickian Syndrome:
  Also known as obesity, hypoventilation syndrome causes abnormal breathing and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. When used during sleep, the BiPAP equipment delivers concentrated oxygen to the lungs, keeping blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels balanced.

• Sclerosis:
  Degeneration of brain cells (neurons) is a hallmark symptom of sclerosis. The BiPAP equipment is used to facilitate respiration. Ongoing therapy makes breathing easier by reducing the effort required by the respiratory muscles.

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):
  Data reflecting the benefits of BiPAP for CHF have been well-documented because the therapy delivers breathing support and reduces exertion during inhalation. BiPAP primarily benefits patients by lessening the strain on the right ventricle. This means reduced effort is required by the heart to pump blood to the lungs, which improves the efficiency of your heart as a pump. BiPAP therapy helps reduce pressure on the heart by reducing blood flow and swelling and improving blood oxygen levels.

• Pneumonia:
  Pneumonia disrupts regular breathing as a result of airway inflammation. Pneumonia patients who use a BiPAP machine benefit from its ability to open their airways and facilitate breathing, providing immediate symptomatic relief.

• Asthma:
  When it comes to severe cases of asthma in children, BiPAP is the safest kind of breathing assistance available. It works by enhancing both the rate and amount of oxygen entering the lungs, giving asthma patients an increased chance of full recovery.

How Does A BiPAP Machine Work?

Compared to a CPAP machine, a BiPAP allows customized positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. It works by allowing the user to inhale and exhale air at varied pressures.

BiPAP therapy works as follows:

The diaphragm is the muscle in charge of breathing in oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. When you're asleep, your body automatically takes care of your breathing. However, people with sleep apnea or other breathing conditions often don't obtain enough oxygen when they sleep because breathing functions are inhibited. A BiPAP system forces air via a mask to relieve sleep apnea, essentially assisting the diaphragm by promoting automated breathing. The BiPAP timing may be modified based on the number of breaths per minute.

• Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure:
  The BiPAP machine provides greater air pressure upon inhalation, which aids in opening the airways and delivering oxygen to the blood.

• Air Conditioning:
  The BiPAP machine is a compact box with a fan that pumps air through a tube. After drawing in the air, it is compressed and often humidified before being supplied to your body through a tube and mask.

• Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure:
  The BiPAP machine reduces the pressure upon exhalation. Carbon dioxide is therefore evacuated from the lungs.

What Are The Parts Of A BiPAP Machine?

A BiPAP machine is about the size of a lunchbox, and has numerous components that are similar to those present in other PAP devices.

• Machine:
  This is the mechanism that creates the pressurized air. Details regarding the device's operation are usually shown on its digital interface.

• Hose:
  The BiPAP machine is connected to the hose/tube, which then connects to the mask.

• Mask:
  The mask forms a tight seal around the user's face and allows air to enter the nose, mouth, or both. It may be necessary for users to experiment with various masks until they locate one that is both effective and comfortable.

• Filters:
  The air being pumped through the hose is often filtered by one or more internal filters.

• Humidifier:
  The air that travels through the hose and mask of a BiPAP machine is often heated and humidified by a water reservoir connected to the machine.

What Is A BiPAP Machine Used For?

At-home usage of BiPAP equipment allows for the treatment of various conditions that manifest as breathing difficulties.

This includes:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Central sleep apnea

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)

• COVID-19

In critical situations involving the respiratory system, BiPAP is often preferred over intubation because it is less intrusive.

This respiratory support method is used by doctors when the patient's condition isn't critical enough to induce intubation, such as an outbreak of pneumonia, COPD, or pulmonary edema. BiPAP machines are also used to supplement oxygen after intubation has been removed and requires breathing assistance.

How To Use A BiPAP Machine With Oxygen?

A BiPAP is a type of ventilator used to treat chronic conditions that affect your breathing . A ventilator expert will help configure your BiPAP equipment once it has been prescribed. A technician must calibrate the equipment and adjust settings any time a patient receives a new treatment plan,

What to anticipate and how to use your BiPAP equipment at home will be explained in detail by your doctor. You may be instructed to wear it constantly, occasionally, or at night while asleep, depending on your condition and lifestyle requirements. It is important that you adhere to your treatment plan and use your equipment as directed.

NB: Do not adjust settings without the help of a medical professional.

The basic procedures for setting up and using a BiPAP are as follows:

• First, place the device on a table or desk close to the bed or where you will be seated.

• Connect the tubing to the machine.

• Connect the tubing to the mask.

• If your BiPAP machine features a humidifier, fill its reservoir with distilled water.

• Connect the BiPAP machine to the power source.

• Activate the device.

• Equip your mask and headgear.

• Place the mask over your face and make sure there is no air escaping.

• Adjust the mask's straps so that it fits firmly but comfortably.

• Relax into your breathing pattern, and find a comfortable sleeping position.

• Use your equipment throughout the night if possible.

In many cases, the equipment will have predetermined pressure settings. For automatically adjusting equipment, ensure you strictly adhere to the user manual.

If you've never used a BiPAP machine before, it's possible that you'll feel some discomfort. After some time, the mask and artificial ventilation will become second nature. If not, see your healthcare provider to determine whether a different mask should be used or if pressure settings need adjustment.

BiPAP machines are not loud, but the sound can take some getting used to. If the device is disturbing your sleep, consider using earplugs. BiPAP machines are designed for quiet operation, emitting a low ambient humming sound.

What Is The Difference Between CPAP And BiPAP Machines?

Devices like CPAP are the most commonly used type of portable breathing equipment that uses pressure to aid in breathing. However, people with COPD often benefit the most from BiPAP. The primary distinction is that BiPAP supports both inhalation and exhalation, while CPAP delivers a single continuous pressure setting.

To learn more about the distinctions between CPAP vs. BiPAP, you can consult our comparison guide.

Who Needs A BiPAP Machine?

BiPAP therapy is used to treat patients diagnosed with conditions that make it difficult to breathe, including:

• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

• Pneumonis

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Neurological disease

• Asthma

• Inhibited breathing post-surgery

BiPAP may not be the best choice if breathing is severely compromised, in cases of reduced consciousness, or in emergency respiratory failure. However, these patients may benefit from long-term BiPAP therapy once breathing stabilizes.

What Are The Side Effects Of A BiPAP Machine?

When used properly, BiPAP is seldom associated with any adverse events. When compared to other forms of ventilator support, such as a tracheostomy, it has a lower probability of complications like infection. The mask on the BiPAP machine is the source of most of the difficulties; sometimes, an improper fit can lead to skin irritation.

Other common side effects include:

• Some individuals have difficulty sleeping with the facemask on at night.

• Skin discoloration and scarring may result from using a tight-fitting nasal mask for an extended period of time.

• It can be unpleasant to be subjected to pressurized air, which causes stomach bloating because of the increased lung pressure.

• Mild abdominal discomfort.

• Dry mouth and related symptoms.

• Skin dryness around the mouth and nose.

• When used excessively, BiPAP devices can damage the nasal lining and lead to infections and nasal discharge.

• Mask leakage can cause reduced pressure and lead to skin irritation, sweating, and skin rash.

• Improperly set pressure can lead to sinus discomfort, strain, and congestion.

• Irritation and inflammation of the eyes.

• Some users experience anxiety or claustrophobia.

How To Manage the Side Effects of Using a BiPAP Machine

The associated risks may vary based on factors such as your age, the length of time you use BiPap, and any preexisting medical conditions. If you have any concerns, it is important to discuss them with your doctor.

• It is recommended to use a full face mask rather than a nasal mask to relieve sinus pressure.

• A humidifier used in conjunction with a mask helps alleviate nasal and oral dryness.

• Antihistamines can help with nasal irritation and congestion.

• Masks can be adjusted for a customized fit.

• Specialized CPAP pillows can help improve comfort and compliance.

• The BiPAP machine's pressure may be to reduce bloating.

• When utilizing the BiPAP machine, it might be helpful to practice muscular relaxation techniques to lessen any anxiety you may feel.

Tips for Getting Used to a BiPAP Machine

Some individuals find it challenging to acclimate to using a BiPAP machine while sleeping, but most find that it becomes routine after some time. It may be easier to become used to sleeping with a BiPAP machine if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Using the machine may be difficult at first, but if you persevere, you'll find it becomes easier in a few days. Even though wearing the BiPAP throughout the night is a little uncomfortable, doing so accelerates the process of adhering to BiPAP compliance.

Wearing the mask and activating the air pressure over a short, predetermined amount of time throughout the day can help you get used to your mask. Start using the mask while watching TV or reading before bed; this will help you become more comfortable using a mask and identify your pressure preferences.

Try out a few different masks before settling on one that works well for you. Your doctor or sleep therapist may prescribe a particular mask, but it's common to experiment with many before settling on the one that provides the best fit and seal for your sleeping style.

If you have trouble sleeping when using the full amount of air pressure prescribed, a machine featuring a ramp feature may be beneficial. The pressure ramp begins at a lower pressure and progressively builds to the target pressure over a 45-minute period, helping you fall asleep.

Establish regular cleaning and maintenance routines to reduce the risk of breathing in contaminants and prolong the life of the equipment. Machine manuals often include in-depth advice on how to do routine maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using A BiPAP Machine

How long can someone live on a BiPAP machine?

Tube ventilation in an induced coma may be avoided with the help of BiPAP for many intensive care patients. BiPAPs are non-invasive ventilation devices used to treat breathing.

Mask ventilation or BiPAP can, in theory, be administered indefinitely, but in practice, it becomes exhausting and taxing for severely ill patients in intensive care.

When used for too long without intermission, BiPAP might induce pressure necrosis of the nasal tissue and nutritional complications. Therefore, it is necessary to switch to intubation or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy if a life support patient does not show signs of improvement after using a BiPAP machine for 1-2 days.

Does the BiPAP machine damage the lungs?

Long-term use of a defective BiPAP may cause significant lung damage. This is due to the fact that the polyurethane foam in the BiPAP device gives off hazardous gases and chemicals. If your device shows any signs of malfunction, ensure you contact a professional to have the problem assessed.

Can I eat with a BiPAP machine?

Patients using BiPAP should abstain from eating and drinking while the machine is running. Using a nasal cannula instead of a mask helps provide more freedom or range of motion if a mask feels too restrictive. In a hospital setting, patients on continuous BiPAP begin tube feeding, while those on intermittent BiPAP can consume regular meals while the device is disconnected.

How much does a BiPAP machine cost?

BiPAP devices cost between $800 and $300 and are substantially more expensive than CPAP machines, which typically cost between $350 and $1,000. Because of the quick pressure shift, a BiPAP machine needs additional sensors to synchronize the two pressure settings accurately to supplement natural breathing. Like with any medical equipment, it is important to choose the BiPAP machine that is right for you rather than settling for a cheaper one that won't meet your requirements.

Treat OSA, COPD, And More With Our Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure Sleep Apnea Machines From ApriaDirect

Ongoing BiPAP compliance is important for successful sleep apnea treatment and is often a requirement from most insurance providers.

Once you've been prescribed BiPAP therapy, you can expect a new set of lifestyle adjustments will come with it. With the use of any durable home medical equipment comes a wave of new information. It's best practice to develop a functional understanding of your BiPAP device to get the most out of your therapy.

ApriaDirect is passionate about providing resources, advice, and cutting-edge treatment solutions to help improve the lives of patients and loved ones across the US.

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