All You Need to Know About BiPAP Machine

 What Is a BiPAP?

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is a noninvasive ventilation therapy that is designed to help patients breathe better. This therapy is good for those of you who aren't getting enough oxygen or can't get rid of carbon dioxide because of numerous nasal problems. This machine is designed to deliver air to you with the help of a mask that is put on your face.

This machine is designed to push air at a higher pressure into your nose and mouth. The higher the pressure the better result in keeping your airway open and helping the air get to the your lungs. The name Bilveal means that this machine is designed to give you airflow in two different ways and pressure: one from inhaling the air pressure and the other – lower for when exhaling carbon dioxide. These two levels of air pressure are called inhalation positive airway pressure IPAP and exaltation positive airway EPAP. Aside from being able to provide you with the needed airway, this machine also allows for being adjusted thanks to which you can set the timing between the two types of pressure.

Who Needs To Use One?

Well, the first and most important category of people who should use this mighty BiPAP machine are those suffering from sleep apnea. They should also be used by people with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypercapnic respiratory failure – this is a disease when carbon dioxide collects in your blood and you cannot effectively get rid of it when exhaling.

Is There a Difference Between BiPAP and CPAP?

Yes, there is a difference between these two types of sleep apnea treatment machines. While BiPAP adjusts the air pressure by inhaling and exhaling, CPAP is designed to deliver constant air pressure during inhaling and exhaling. The most common choice for sleep apnea sufferers is CPAP machines unless the doctor recommends otherwise. However, if you suffer from some of the aforementioned diseases, it would be better if you opt for a BiPAP machine. This therapy might also be beneficial for people with asthma flare-ups, poor breathing after some kind of medical condition, obesity, etc.

How to Use It?

Once you have obtained the machine prescribed by your provider, it is time for you to set it up. The first thing to do is to connect all the tubing and mask and turn it on. Adjust the settings as required, lay down and fit the mask over the face. Generally speaking, there are different types of masks available on the market, however, the most common are a full-face mask and a nasal mask. Once you have bought the one as prescribed, put it on carefully by following the manufacturer's instructions, turn the machine on and relax. If necessary, readjust the mask.

Regarding the machine's use, you should put it on a stable and clean surface in order to work in its perfect condition. Before turning it on, make sure the tubes are applied as they should and don't forget to check on the filters.

How Long Should You Use a BiPAP?

Well, how long you should use a machine of this kind depends on your condition. Quite often, people with other conditions than sleep apnea should use it until they can breathe well on their own, otherwise, you should use them as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Whether you like it or not, he/she has all the right to prolong the retirement if there are no visible results.

Practice shows that if you are using the machine for treating sleep apnea, it can take from a few days to a few weeks for you to start feeling better. One of the signs of the treatment having results is feeling well-rested and full of energy throughout the day.

Things You Can Do to Make the Treatment More Comfortable

Whether you like it or not, this treatment can be a bit uncomfortable and you should take your time to get used to it. However, if you feel uncomfortable even after weeks of using it, there are some things you can do to make things more comfortable.

If the mask is the problem, you can get rid of this and try to find another one. You should know that some of these masks come in sizes, so choosing the right one for you is essential. However, if the mask feels uncomfortable no matter the size, you should contact your healthcare provider and ask for other types that would be a good fit for you.

If new to this treatment, you should also practice wearing the mask at home because sometimes all it takes is getting used to the feeling. In case you feel uncomfortable with the air pressure, you can use the 'ramp feature' on it which gives you lower air pressure when falling asleep after which the pressure increases.