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Differences of BIPAP & CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines and bi-level positive airway pressure, or BiPAP, machines are used to non-invasively treat people who suffer from a variety of respiratory disorders, including sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and even some cases of pulmonary edema and respiratory failure. Both types of machines serve the same function: to deliver pressurized air to the patient's airways through the use of a small machine, hose and mask. However, there are several important differences between CPAP and BiPAP machines.

  1. Air Pressure

    • BiPAP machines aid breathing by applying two adjustable levels of air pressure: high pressure during inhalation and low pressure during exhalation. This dual-pressure system helps patients get air in and out with little effort. CPAP machines run at only one level of continuous air pressure; this requires a patient to use more force when they are exhaling.

    Indications

    • Their differences in air pressure make the two machines beneficial for different disorders. BiPAP machines are recommended for patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea with other lung diseases such as COPD, as well as patients with neuromuscular or pulmonary disorders who need assistance with ventilation. The two pressure levels of the BiPAP machine aid in respiration by acting as a non-invasive ventilator. Since the continuous air pressure of CPAP machines requires extra exhalation effort, it is indicated for patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea with no other respiratory conditions. The CPAP machine does not technically provide ventilation.

    History

    • Developed in the mid 1990s by the Respironics Corporation, the BiPAP machine is actually a trademarked name. Because of this, other companies use terms such as bilevel or variable positive airway pressure, or VPAP, for their dual-pressure machines. CPAP, however, is not trademarked and is the generic term used for all continuous pressure machines. The CPAP machine was created in 1981 by Colin Sullivan for treating severe sleep apnea. The first models were essentially reversed vacuum cleaner motors that blew air into a patient's nose with tubing, keeping the airway open. CPAP machines soon became widely available, replacing tracheostomy for treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea.

    Other Differences

    • BiPAP machines are smaller and quieter than CPAP machines. Because they are more high-tech, however, BiPAP machines cost more, with a price ranging anywhere from $800 to $6,000. The cost of CPAP machines ranges from $160 to $800, depending on the machine's features and capabilities.

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