BIPAP and CPAP are ventilator devices that are used for breathing processes. The main BIPAP and CPAP difference lies in the pressure levels of BIPAP.
Unlike CPAP BIPAP devices use two pressure levels. In this article, we will discuss the different points of each device in detail to help you choose the most suitable oxygen therapy device for your needs.
What are the Main BIPAP and CPAP differences?
The full form of BIPAP is bilevel-positive airway pressure. Elaborating more to get a deep understanding:
Positive airway pressure: it means that the BIPAP device moves air at a higher pressure level to make your airways open and allow air to move into and out of your lungs through your nose, mouth and trachea.
Bilevel: as we know “Bi” means two so bilevel means that the BIPAP device allows you to get air into the airways at two different pressure levels.
One specific pressure level is for the inhaling process called inhalation positive airway pressure(IPAP) and the other pressure level is for the exhaling process called Exhalation positive airway pressure (EPAP).
In simple words, BIPAP is a type of ventilator device used in the oxygen therapy process that helps in breathing using two different pressure levels.
Read More: How to Use a CPAP Machine for Better Sleep?
How to Use BIPAP?
When looking for the BIPAP and CPAP difference it’s important to know about the usage of each device and get the best use of it. We will explain the working and guidelines on how to use BIPAP in steps.
- Choose the right place for your BIPAP:
BIPAP is a small machine that can be used both at home and at the hospital for your oxygen therapy process. So to use your BIPAP accurately firstly find the suitable place to place your device. You can select a side table for your bed or a nightstand which is suitable for you.
- Check for the replaceable BIPAP Filters:
The second step includes checking filters on your BIPAP machine. BIPAP machines have different types of filters available. So read the machine manual guidelines to know about the type of machine to replace the filter according to your needs.
- Attach the hose and mask:
A hose is a tube that connects with the mask. So look for the hose and attach its cuff(the end) to the mask. Make sure the connection of the hose and mask is tight so that air does not escape.
- Set up a humidifier:
Humidifiers are one of the most important components of oxygen therapy. It helps to humidify the dry air to allow it to move through airways smoothly. Make sure to fill the humidifier with distilled water. Don’t use tap or flowing water to avoid impurities being inhaled through the air.
- Fit the BIPAP mask firmly with the nose:
There are different types of BIPAP masks available like nasal masks, face masks, and nasal pillow masks. Each one has its benefits so you can use any based on your needs. This mask will allow the pressurised air to move through airways into the lungs. So make sure to tighten the mask firmly so that the sir should not escape from sideways. This BIPAP mask will be now attached to the BIPAP machine.
- Set up the pressure setting for BIPAP:
Before starting the BIPAP machine it is good to set up the pressure level for your therapy. If you have a prescription for your BIPAP therapy at home then you can adjust your pressure setting.
But if you don’t have any prescription then do consult with your doctor first and then change the pressure setting for your therapy. You can change the pressure levels during the night also depending on how much support your respiratory lungs need.
- Turn on the BIPAP machine:
Now turn the BIPAP machine on after doing above mentioned all the settings. Now you will feel that the pressure level of the air is increasing. So don’t get worried, just relax and get your oxygen therapy.
If you feel that pressure is too high for the initial stage then there is a ramp mode option available on the machine. Turn it on to allow the air pressure to increase gradually to react to the set pressure level.
The pressure level of air will be high when inhaled to allow you to get as much air as you can. The pressure level for exhalation will be low as compared to inhalation.
- Be careful about your sleeping position:
Try different sleeping positions which make you more comfortable and select the one most suitable for you. But be careful about the tightness of the BIPAP mask.
Learn About CPAP: CPAP On Rent And Sale In Pakistan
When to Use BIPAP?
While searching for the BIPAP and CPAP difference, it’s important to know about the usage of both devices. With the increase in technology in today’s era, the number of medical disorders has also increased.
If you are looking for BIPAP indications for when you should use BIPAP then continue reading. BIPAP machines are used to treat different non-invasive medical conditions. Depending on the complexity of disorders and conditions these machines can be used at home and hospitals.
According to the latest studies and guidelines for acute respiratory conditions, there are several indications. Following are the medical conditions that show the BIPAP indications:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)
- obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- central sleep apnea (CPA)
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
As mentioned, BIPAP machines are non-invasive so they are also the best solution to treat respiratory failures caused by a COPD flare-up, pneumonia, and pulmonary oedema and for the smooth and comfortable breathing of the patient after intubation treatment.
CPAP Full Form:
The CPAP full form is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. As the name suggests this device is used to provide a continuous airway pressure at a normal pressure level through the patient’s airways (nose, mouth, trachea).
How to Use CPAP?
If you are to begin your oxygen therapy and are worried about how to use the CPAP machine? Then no worries! We have answers to all your queries.
The setting guidelines of CPAP and BIPAP are almost the same. The only main BIPAP and CPAP difference lies in the pressure level of air. As the BIPAP allows two pressure levels while CPAP allows a mild pressure level for your breathing.
We will explain the working and guidelines on how to use CPAP in steps.
- Choose the right place for your CPAP machine:
BIPAP is a small machine that can be used both at home and at the hospital for your oxygen therapy process. So to use your CPAP accurately firstly find a suitable place to place your device. You can select a side table for your bed or a nightstand which is suitable for you.
- Check for the replaceable BIPAP Filters:
The second step includes checking filters on your CPAP machine. CPAP machines have different types of filters available. So read the machine manual guidelines to know about the type of machine to replace the filter according to your needs.
- Attach the hose and mask:
A hose is a tube that connects with the mask. So look for the hose and attach its cuff(the end) to the mask. Make sure the connection of the hose and mask is tight so that air does not escape.
- Set up a humidifier:
Humidifiers are one of the most important components of oxygen therapy. It helps to humidify the dry air to allow it to move through airways smoothly. Make sure to fill the humidifier with distilled water. Don’t use tap or flowing water to avoid impurities being inhaled through the air.
- Fit CPAP mask firmly with the nose:
While knowing the basic BIPAP and CPAP difference keep in mind that there are different types of CPAP masks available like nasal masks, face masks, and nasal pillow masks. Each one has its benefits so you can use any based on your needs. This mask will allow the pressurised air to move through airways into the lungs. So make sure to tighten the mask firmly so that the sir should not escape from sideways. This CPAP mask will be now attached to the BIPAP machine.
- Set up the pressure setting for the CPAP machine:
Before starting the CPAP machine it is good to set up the pressure level for your therapy. If you have a prescription for your BIPAP therapy at home then you can adjust your pressure setting. You can change the pressure level during the night also depending on how much support your respiratory lungs need.
- Turn on the CPAP machine:
Now turn the CPAP machine on after doing above mentioned all the settings and get your oxygen therapy.
- Be careful about your sleeping position:
Try different sleeping positions which make you more comfortable and select the one most suitable for you. But be careful about the tightness of the CPAP mask.
When to use a CPAP machine?
Both BIPAP and CPAP devices are used for oxygen therapy but each one has its own indications and contradictions.
If you are having breathing problems and looking for BIPAP and CPAP difference for indications to get started with a CPAP machine then you are in the right place.
Following are the CPAP indications for when you should use CPAP:
- Cheyne Stokes Respiration
- Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
- Pulmonary oedema
- Atelectasis
- Recent extubation
- Transient Tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN)
- Tracheomalacia or similar disorder of the lower airway
- Hypoxia
- Endotracheal intubation
- Congestive heart failure
BIPAP Masks vs CPAP Masks:
CPAP masks are the BIPAP masks as well. There is no specific difference between masks when searching for BIPAP and CPAP difference. You can use CPAP masks for your BIPAP therapy as well. Different types of masks are there for your therapy which include nasal masks, face masks, and nasal pillow masks. Philips, ResMed, and Respironics are well-known companies that offer different types of therapy masks.
Each mask has its usage and benefits. So if you are ready for your therapy and looking to buy the best CPAP mask or BIPAP mask then don’t worry. You can also explore our CPAP and BIPAP products page and choose the most suitable mask tailored to your needs.
We at Respiratory Zone offer high-quality Respironics Yuwell, Devilbiss and Phillips CPAP masks for you to have a clear understanding of BIPAP and CPAP difference.
BIPAP and CPAP Price:
The price range of BIPAP and CPAP machines may vary depending on the location features, model availability and the brand of the device. The average CPAP machine price in Pakistan lies between the range of PKR 30,000 and PKR 150,000.
BIPAP machines come at a relatively higher cost than CPAP machines. It is because of their added features and flexibility of bilevel pressures. The average BIPAP machine price in Pakistan lies between PKR 120,000 and PKR 300,000 depending on the features.
Pros and Cons of BIPAP and CPAP:
Both the devices are used for oxygen therapy but each has its benefits and side effects when it comes to the BIPAP and CPAP difference. Let’s dive into each use and drawback to help you choose the best fit for you.
Pros and Cons of BIPAP:
Pros:
- It is a non-invasive machine which means you don’t need to insert it into your body.
- BIPAP machines allow you to have alternate pressure levels for inhaling and exhaling.
- Helpful for the patients who need breathing support at a standard level that CPAP can’t provide.
- It is effective for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders like congestive heart and is also the best choice for patients with acute sleep apnea.
Cons:
- In some cases use of BIPAP machines can cause central sleep apnea because of an increase in lung volume caused by the higher pressure level during inhalation than the exhalation.
- BIPAP machines are costly making it difficult for the patients to get therapy at minimum medical cost.
- Some people may feel uncomfortable with BIPAP and can’t tolerate using them for a long time.
- Usage of BIPAP can cause low blood pressure and pneumonia as a side effect.
Pros and Cons of CPAP:
Pros:
- It is the most effective device for treating different respiratory conditions, especially sleep apnea.
- Helps to keep your airways open for the smooth flow of air to the lungs.
- Improves the quality of sleep with the minimum medical cost.
- On regular use, it allows less fatigue throughout the day.
- CPAP provides a good comfortable rest to patients especially during the night allowing them to wake up fresh in the morning.
- Using a CPAP machine helps lower your blood pressure, and cholesterol level and reduce blood glucose.
Cons:
- CPAP allows you to only have a fixed pressure level.
- CPAP machines often have larger sizes that are difficult to adjust while travelling.
- Some people find it difficult to wear CPAP masks.
- Some people find the CPAP machine loud and find it difficult to sleep with a CPA or with someone using the CPAP machine.
- While wearing a CPAP machine at night, the patient might encounter bloating or gas because of swallowing the dry air in the middle of the night.
Where to find the best BIPAP or CPAP?
Learned about the main BIPAP and CPAP difference and now looking for the best place to get one. Then don’t worry because we have the best solutions for your therapy.
We at Respiratory Zone offer you the best auto CPAP machine price in Pakistan’s major cities of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. We bring you the best CPAP machines for you on rent and sale also. For more information, you can check our CPAP machine on rent in Karachi, CPAP on rent and sale in Pakistan and CPAP machine on rent in Karachi guides.
