BiPAP Machines

What Is a BiPAP Machine & How Does BiPAP Therapy Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

• What Does A BiPAP Machine Do?

  A BiPAP machine normalizes your breathing by sending pressurized air into your upper airway. BiPAP machines utilize two different pressure levels to provide positive pressure ventilation during BiPAP therapy. The pressure settings for the different air pressure levels is based on your individual breathing patterns as well as the severity and type of sleep apnea. Sleep specialists can optimize your treatment options by prescribing the correct air pressure settings for your sleep apnea treatment based on their analysis of your symptoms and the results of your sleep study. These settings can be adjusted as assessed by your sleep medicine specialist if necessary (a process known as titration).

• What Is The Difference Between BiPAP Machines and CPAP Machines?

  BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are both forms of non-invasive ventilation that deliver pressurized air in order to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory health conditions, but they function differently.

  • CPAP Therapy - A CPAP machine is a positive airway pressure machine that treats OSA by delivering a continuous pressure of airflow at one pressure setting in order to keep your airways open throughout the night.

  • BiPAP Therapy - BiPAP machines provide two levels of air pressure: a higher air pressure for inhalation (IPAP) and a lower air pressure level for exhalation (EPAP).

• Benefits Of BiPAP Treatment

  Your sleep specialist may prescribe at BiPAP machine if an APAP or CPAP machine is not working effectively for any number of various reasons. In addition to obstructive sleep apnea your healthcare provider may prescribe a BiPAP machine if you’re diagnosed with a more complex sleep apnea or breathing disorder such as Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), among others.

• Symptoms, Side Effects, and Health Risks

  Symptoms of OSA and other sleep disorders:

  • Loud Snoring

  • Gasping or Choking During Sleep

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

  • Difficulty Concentrating

  • Mood Changes

  • Morning Headaches

  • Dry Mouth or Sore Throat

  Potential Side Effects of PAP Therapy:

  • Skin Irritation

  • Dryness

  • Dry Mouth (check out our selection of CPAP humidifiers & water chambers)

  Health Risks Of Untreated OSA:

  • Heart failure

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Respiratory failure

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Obstructive and central sleep apnea

  • Hypercapnic respiratory failure

  • Asthma flare-up

  • Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

  • Others health conditions

• Cleaning and Maintenance

  Keeping your BiPAP machine regularly cleaned and maintained not only promotes the longevity of your device but also ensures more effective BiPAP therapy and improved hygiene. Be sure to review and follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your BiPAP machine. You can find more helpful BiPAP cleaning tips below:

  • Empty any remaining water from your humidifier water chamber and rinse with distilled water before allowing to air dry in a clean, dry location. This should be done on a daily basis.

  • Wash your humidifier water chamber with warm soapy water before rinsing and air dried, This process should be completed on a weekly basis.

  • Disconnect your BiPAP tubing and wash in warm soapy water daily. Rinse and allow to air dry. You can also clean your tubing with a 1:3 vinegar to water ratio on a weekly basis (rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry).

  • Disposable air filters should be replaced every 2 weeks and checked regularly for buildup, debris, discoloration, and clogging. Reusable filters can be washed and air dried.

  • BiPAP machines should be wiped down with a damp cloth on a monthly basis, but be sure that no moisture makes its way inside your machine. Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as bleach or alcohol-based solutions.

  • Distilled water should be used in your humidifier water chamber to prevent mineral deposits.

  • BiPAP/CPAP cleaning devices and sanitizers are a fantastic option for cleaning your sleep apnea therapy supplies. Many PAP cleaners utilize UV light or ozone to sanitize such as the LiViliti Paptizer UVC LED Smart CPAP Sanitizer, or the Lumin CPAP Supplies Sanitizer.

     

  Find out more about our selection of PAP cleaning supplies.

• How Long Do BiPAP Machines Last?

  BiPAP machine lifespans can differ based on various factors such as how well your machine is maintained, how often you use your machine, and the quality of your BiPAP device. Generally BiPAP machines last an average of 5 years and it is typically recommended to replace your device at that time.

  Learn more about the ideal replacement schedule for your sleep apnea therapy supplies with this helpful blog.