They are nothing bigger than the size of a lunch box but the BiPAP (Bi-level positive airway pressure) and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are the most sought-after for people with breathing difficulties helping them to sleep better.
Most doctors consider them as ‘go-to’ ventilators and describe them as a form of respiratory therapy that has changed the health outcome of many people dealing with respiratory issues. They have also led to a decrease in hospital readmissions and shorter hospital stays.
The machines work on a simple principle of pushing air into airways with pressure that helps open the lungs and leads to easy breathing. A significant advantage of these machines is that the procedure to use them is non-invasive and the air is delivered with the help of a mask that is placed on the person’s mouth. Unlike tracheostomy which requires an incision to be made in the windpipe to help a person breathe better.
CPAP delivers air with continuous pressure keeping the pressure during inhaling and exhaling remains the same. The BiPAP ventilator sends air into and out of the lungs with two different levels of pressure. The pressure while inhaling is more than the pressure while exhaling.
CPAP and BiPAP ventilators can be two different machines or one machine with both settings. The single-setting machines are generally used at home while the ones in the hospital come with dual settings.
BiPAP, CPAP, and sleep
1. Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)- First on the list of the most annoying sounds can undisputedly be snoring. This is a sound no one wants to hear. Medically known as obstructive sleep apnea it not only disturbs breathing due to blocked airways, it severely disrupts your sleep and can also affect the heart. A CPAP machine can help keep those airways open and let the person and their family members enjoy sound sleep.
2. Central Sleep Apnea(CSA)- People dealing with CSA usually wake up gasping for breath, experience insomnia, have issues focusing, have mood swings, headaches, and snoring. This is because the brain fails to send messages to the muscles that control breathing. Doctors advise BiPAP machines that regulate the pressure during inhalation and exhalation for CSA enabling people to sleep better.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)- This is a common and fatal lung disease in which a person experiences breathlessness, wheezing, and fatigue as their lungs are filled with cough and phlegm. COPD patients grapple with low oxygen levels and BiPAP machines assist in enhancing their lung function and rest better.
4. Hypoventilation- According to Medline Plus-Hypoventilation is breathing that is too shallow or too slow to meet the needs of the body. If a person hypoventilates, the body’s carbon dioxide level rises. This causes a buildup of acid and too little oxygen in the blood. A person with hypoventilation might feel sleepy. BiPAP ventilators can normalize the breathing patterns of these people and regulate their sleep patterns.
5. Neuromuscular issues- People with spinal cord injuries and muscle dystrophy experience weakened respiratory functionality. This is where BiPAP steps in and supports breathing.
6. Pneumonia- During pneumonia a person may face difficulty in breathing as the oxygen levels aren’t sufficient. The BIPAP machines help keep the airways open and provide comfort to the person.
What to Keep in Mind While Using the Machines
- The machines should not be used without a doctor’s consultation and proper instructions from a health professional as changes in pressure setting can have medical consequences.
- The mask should be kept clean to avoid infections.
- The machines may cause some skin irritation and a doctor should be consulted for the same.
- If a person may feel claustrophobic as the mask covers the entire face but most people get used to it over time. If a person faces too much discomfort then the doctor should be informed immediately.
