We have already discussed the uses and benefits of the CPAP machine, this blog will concentrate on the other two options or alternatives, apart from the CPAP therapy, which is BIPAP and APAP therapy.
For the sake of comparison and because it is the first line of treatment, we will revisit the CPAP or the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in this blog.
CPAP machines are the first line of treatments usually administered to patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is a machine which works through the use of a CPAP mask connected through a tube. When fixed on the face, the CPAP machine applies constant pressure to the mouth, in order to keep the airways open while in the night during sleep. This ensures that no apnea event takes place and the patient breathes normally in their sleep.
Advantages:
- CPAP machines are the first line of treatment for patients of Sleep Apnea.
- It applies mild and constant pressure into the airways of the patient which keeps the airways open at all times of its use.
- Its the least expensive of the Positive Airway Pressure machines.
- It usually resolves issues of apnea in patients suffering from mild attacks of sleep apnea.
Disadvantages:
- Since it is only a first line of treatment, some patients with severe sleep apnea may not find full relief with a CPAP machine.
- The constant pressure administered by the machine, due to its singular pressure setting could be a disadvantage to many patients, as some patients may find it hard to exhale the same constant amount of air that was inhaled.
- The CPAP machine may not produce long term useful results for patients suffering from severe sleep apnea. They eventually may seek other treatments like BIPAP or APAP treatments to the pressure settings.
BIPAP therapy
The BIPAP machine or the Bi-level positive air pressure is a similar to the CPAP machine. However, there is a difference in settings between the two. The disadvantage of CPAP to some patients, which is the constant air pressure in inhaling and exhaling is what brings the need of the BIPAP machine. The BIPAP machine has pressure settings that allows it to administer both inhalation and exhalation air pressure. The two air pressure settings makes the BIPAP device a much superior machine than a CPAP.
The setting of the the BIPAP machine can be set through a feature which times the breath unlike the CPAP machine. This feature measures the number of breaths taken in a minute. If the time taken by the patient in between breaths increases,the machine will increase the air pressure as well.
Advantages:
- Much more superior machine than CPAP machine
- BIPAP machines have 2 pressure settings. One with a lower force and one with a higher force of air pressure.
- BIPAP machines are used to treat patients who have used CPAP machines, without getting much results.
Disadvantages
- BIPAP machines are generally more expensive than CPAP
APAP
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure or APAP is a Positive airway pressure machine like CPAP and BIPAP machines. It uses the same principles of a CPAP or BIPAP machine. What sets an APAP machine apart from a CPAP and BIPAP is the variable air pressure which the APAP offers. Hence is a more superior machine than a BIPAP and CPAP machine due to the internal algorithm that allows a change in air pressure from one breath to the next.
Advantages
- APAP machines are a much more superior machine than CPAP and BIPAP machines
- APAP machines allows for a variable pressure setting, unlike a BIPAP or CPAP.
- APAP automatically adjusts pressure according to each breath of the patient
- With APAP machines there is no need to recalibrate the machine like a CPAP machine
Disadvantages
- Since it is a more superior machine, APAP machines are more expensive.
- Since it contains an internal algorithm, it is difficult to choose the right machine for yourself. This is where the skill of an experienced sleep specialist comes to use. They will be able to choose the right machine for you.
This valuable information will be very handy for you to choose the right machine. Irrespective of which machine you choose to use for therapy, don’t forget to undertake the lifestyle changes that were mentioned in the previous blogs. The best results come from the combined power of weight loss, other lifestyle changes and of course, the right sleep machine.