Is A Bipap Machine Right For You?

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Article Title:

Is A Bipap Machine Right For You?

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Article Description:

CPAP users have probably heard the term Bi-level, VPAP or

BiPAP but are unclear about what it is and how it differs

from a regular CPAP machine. Without getting too technical,

there are a few key differences between a normal CPAP

machine and the more complex BiPAP machine.

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Distribution Date and Time: 2009-10-20 09:12:00

Written By: Vasta

Copyright: 2009

Contact Email: mailto:thecpapshop@...

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Is A Bipap Machine Right For You?

Copyright © 2009 Vasta

The CPAP Shop

http://www.thecpapshop.com

CPAP users have probably heard the term Bi-level, VPAP or BiPAP

but are unclear about what it is and how it differs from a

regular CPAP machine. Without getting too technical, there are a

few key differences between a normal CPAP machine and the more

complex BiPAP machine. As CPAP users are aware, a regular CPAP

machine essentially prevents apneas by delivering a constant

stream of air through a tube and into a face mask. This constant

pressure helps keep the airway open and allows the user to breath

normally. Although the BiPAP machine functions similarly to a

regular CPAP for inhalation pressure (IPAP), it differs on the

exhalation pressure (EPAP). On exhalation, the BiPAP machine

delivers a pressure relief or drop to allow for patients to

breathe more closely to their normal breathing pattern. This

exhalatory pressure relief is especially noticeable for patients

with prescribed pressures of 15cm or higher as it allows them to

exhale without fighting against a strong constant pressure. The

difference between the IPAP and EPAP or pressure support must be

determined by a sleep study and has no limits. In fact, the EPAP

pressure of a BiPAP can reduce to the machines lowest setting of

4cm. This function provides for a more comfortable CPAP

experience and, thus, a higher compliance rate.

A more advanced device, a BiPAP ST machine, provides

Spontaneous/Timed (S/T) therapy. This machine allows for the

patient to breathe at their normal, pre-set respiratory rate. If

the patient experiences an apnea or their breathing falls below

the set rate, the device maintains the patient's ventilation

with a timed breath. The Bipap ST device will actually initiate a

breath during therapy which allows for the patient to receive a

minimum number of breaths per minute Even more complex machines

actually calculate ventilation and BiPAP pressure automatically

All major CPAP machine manufacturers have BiPAP machines

(http://www.thecpapshop.com/bipap-machines.html) but vary

slightly in their algorithm and operation while still providing

the basis pressure relief function. Also, as with all CPAP

machines, any type of CPAP nasal, full face or nasal pillow mask

will function with a BiPAP machine. Nevertheless, it is always

important to discuss with your sleep specialist which type of

machine or mask style is most appropriate. CPAP compliance is

directly associated with comfort levels, so it is important to

make sure both machine and mask are suitable and properly fitted

for your particular situation.

A new Auto BiPAP we at The CPAP Shop are impressed with is the

Resmed VPAP Auto 25. The main objective of this remarkably

compact machine is to deliver effective therapy as naturally and

comfortably as possible. This Bi-Level featuring Easy-Breathe,

ResMed's new comfort technology, offers nearly silent therapy

and greater pressure stability so patients sleep comfortably

throughout the night. The Easy-Breathe technology synchronizes

with the patient's normal respiration so breathing feels natural

and comfortable. This device also uses AutoSet technology which

automatically adjusts to a patient's pressure needs as they vary

throughout the night. With ResMed's clinically proven AutoSet

algorithm, the VPAP Auto 25 is able to detect flow limitation and

act preemptively to prevent apneas and snoring events. An

optional humidifier attaches to the front of the VPAP Auto 25 to

provide heated humidification. The device automatically detects

the presence of the humidifier and no other accessories are

required for its use.

Respironics has also designed a Bi-Level machine which

automatically adjusts to the patient's breathing cycles. The M

Series Auto BiPAP features a proactive, multi-level algorithm

that analyzes several parameters to monitor and respond to a

patient's breathing. This BiPAP is the first device to combine

auto adjusting pressure delivery with the breath-by-breath

pressure relief of Bi-Flex. Bi-Flex softens airflow at inhalation

and exhalation and allows for patients to further refine their

IPAP and EPAP pressures making for an extremely natural and

stress-free experience for patients. In Bi-Flex mode, patient

adjustable pressure relief is provided at the critical stages of

EPAP, IPAP, and exhalation. The Auto BiPAP also allows for fixed

IPAP and EPAP and a function which transitions the machine to

automatic during the night. As with all M series devices, it has

an optional heated humidifier. Because dry mouth and nasal

irritation are common reasons for non-compliance, the M Series

Heated Humidifier features an easy-turn dial that is easily set

to five different humidification levels.

Hopefully, this article has provided a clear, concise picture

between the differing functions of a CPAP and a BiPAP machine. If

there are further questions or need further information, please

call our experts at The CPAP Shop.

The CPAP Shop (http://www.thecpapshop.com/) is pleased to offer

the following machines used for Bilevel therapy:

* Resmed VPAP Auto 25

* Resmed VPAP III

* Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced

* Respironics M Series Bipap Auto

* Respironics M Series BipapPlus

* Respironics Bipap ST

* Puritan Sandman DUO and Duo ST bilevel

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Written by: Vasta of The CPAP Shop.

Family owned and operated since 2003, we are CPAP specialists

and our first priority is our customer and their satisfaction.

We supply only the top manufacturers for CPAP machines and CPAP

supplies. We are able to get the product you desire, answer

questions you might have or make suggestions on new products.

Please visit us at http://www.thecpapshop.com/ and become one

of our thousands of satisfied customers.