Re: CPAP/BiPAP difference

[Guest guest]

For members who don't know about cpap and bipap.

http://www.cpap-pro.net/bipapfaq.shtml

What is the difference between a CPAP and a BiPAP?

CPAP stands for Continous Positive Airway Pressure. BiPAP stands for Bilevel P

ositive Airway Pressure. Continous means that the pressure delivered to the

patient is the same for any given breath. Bilevel means that the pressure

varies during each breath cycle. When the user inhales, the pressure is

similar to CPAP. When they exhale, the pressure drops, making it much easier

to breath. Inhale, pressure rises, exhale, pressure drops. These machines are

commonly prescribed for patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP. They

cost more, are generally bigger but they do tend to be much more comfortable,

particularly for patients that have relatively high pressure requirements.

BiPAP is a registered trademark of Respironics, Inc. Other manufacturers make

VPAP and Bilevel machines that provide this same basic feature.

Sometimes you will see a " ST " behind BiPAP, VPAP, or Bilevel. The ST stands

for Spontaneous Timed. This means that if the user does not breath on their

own, the machine will initiate a breath for them. This feature is very useful

in treating central sleep apnea and a host of pulmonary disorders.

============

Photos:

http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/resp_care/bipap.html

Kathleen

Seattle USA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/12/02 12:09:18 PM, jege6666@... writes:

<< Great piece Kat, thank you, >>

Thanks . I thought it would be helpful in case people started talking

about using one or the other. If people don't know what they are reading

about they will be in a fog. Knowledge is power and puts everyone on equal

footing (if that's possible with CMT). LOL

Kat

Seattle USA

[Guest guest]

Great piece Kat, thank you,

E