what's the difference between cpap and bipap?
August 30, 2021
If you have sleep apnea, you know it’s essential to find the right treatment to support consistent breathing and reduce sleep disruptions. There are several options to choose from, so we’ve compiled information to help you decide which positive airway pressure therapy is right for you.
Breaking Down CPAP and BiPAP Equipment
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are the most common treatments for sleep apnea. Both therapies use a computerized machine to pressurize air and deliver it through tubing attached to a mask covering your mouth and/or nose.
Pressurized air is delivered through your face mask to the back of your throat to keep your airway open while you sleep. Your lungs get the proper amount of oxygen to support deep sleep without disruptions, which reduces fatigue and snoring.
The Differences Between CPAP and BiPAP
While CPAP and BiPAP machines use the same tubing, masks and accessories, their breathing regulation applications differ.
CPAP: The continuous airway pressure created by CPAP machines ensures proper breathing to avoid sleep disruptions. There is only one setting, so the air pressure is the same during inhalation and exhalation. However, the continuous pressure can make you feel like you’re struggling to exhale, so CPAPs often require an adjustment period. This machine delivers four to 20 centimeters of water pressure.
BiPAP: Unlike CPAPs, BiPAPs use two levels of pressure. Inhalation positive airway pressure (IPAP) and exhalation positive airway pressure (EPAP) correspond to your breathing pattern. EPAP reduces the pressure during your exhale, so it’s easier to breathe out. BiPAPs deliver four to 25 centimeters of water pressure.
Three breathing settings switch between IPAP and EPAP:
- Spontaneous switching changes with your breathing pattern.
- Timed switching is programmed for a certain length of time to ensure the correct number of breaths per minute.
- Spontaneous/timed switching combines the previous settings. Your BiPAP will only use timed switching if your number of breaths per minute falls below a specific threshold.
CPAP vs. BiPAP: Which Option is Best for You?
That, of course, depends on your needs and overall health. CPAPs are usually recommended if you have obstructive sleep apnea. BiPAPs are best if you have central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, COPD, heart failure or neurological conditions that require airway support.
If you struggle with the continuous pressure provided by CPAPs, using a BiPAP may be a more comfortable option. However, you should consult your healthcare team before making the switch.
Because of its extra features and sensors, BiPAPs are usually more expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. You must prove that you’ve used a CPAP without beneficial results before your insurance company will cover the cost of a BiPAP machine.
We offer complete pulmonary care, including CPAP and BiPAP maintenance, at several Embassy Healthcare locations. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online for more information.
