| Properties | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Use | Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are two types of positive airway pressure. CPAP For a CPAP machine, it provides only one air pressure setting for each inhale and exhale that can be adjusted and changed. While CPAP machines only have one setting, some models now have sensors that allow for a gentler exhaled air pressure that's just below the total pressure setting. CPAP helps keep the airways efficient and prevents blockage. Airway obstruction can occur for various reasons, and CPAP is used to maintain airway patency in many cases. Airway obstruction is usually seen in people who have breathing problems such as sleep apnea. BiPAP For the BiPAP, it offers two separate pressure settings, positive airway pressure for inhalation and positive airway pressure for exhalation, allowing for lower pressure levels during exhalation. Depending on the BiPAP device's settings, the switch between inhaled positive airway pressure and expiratory positive airway pressure may be timed or done automatically by the device based on the user's breathing patterns. Compression keeps the airways open and ensures the user is breathing properly, helping to avoid respiratory arrest. BiPAP is primarily used to treat central sleep apnea. As well as heart, lung and neurological disorders that require controlled support of the airway during sleep. BiPAP is also used for sleep apnea patients when they cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. |
| Types | Since both devices are considered positive airway pressure therapy, both use compressed air to open the airway during sleep. Both devices generate compressed air and direct it to the user's respiratory tract through a tube and mask. Both devices use the same mask, tube, and rest of the parts and components. Although the most common methods of treatment are to deliver a CPAP and BiPAP device through a nasal mask, there are other delivery systems for adults and children. CPAP and BiPAP are used more often in infants, although their use is controversial. Oral and nasal masks are often used when nasal congestion or obstruction is a problem. There are also devices that combine nasal pressure and mandibular advancement devices. |
| Proper Use | 1. The patient must find the right place to put the device on it so that it has a stable and non-vibrating base. 2. He must make sure of the liquidator used, the liquidator differs from one device to another and often the instructions that come with the device contain about the type of liquidator used in it. 3. Connecting the tube to the device as there is a special inlet for the tube on the device to be installed and making sure that it is well inserted. 4. Connect the tube to the face mask from the other end. 5. Prepare a humidifier, as there is a humidifier with the device to humidify the air entering the patient's mouth and nose and to avoid dehydration in the area. It is recommended to use distilled water instead of regular water to avoid any contamination. 6. The device is connected to the power source. There is a wire one end of which is connected to the device and the other end is connected to the power supply. 7. Put the mask on the face, adjust it and tighten it to fit the size of the face, taking into account not to tighten it too hard so as not to cause redness and pits of the face. 8. The device is operated making sure that the air does not come out of the mask and that it is tightly fitted to the face. The device is often prepared by the specialist to suit the patient. There is also a "Ramp" feature, as it initially delivers low pressure and gradually increases over time. 9. The patient should lie on the appropriate side so that it is comfortable and does not have to tighten the tube. |
| Safety Precautions | 1. Distilled water should be used instead of tap water. 2. The tube and mask must be cleaned regularly, taking into account that they are changed every three months. 3. The mask can cause redness and irritation of the face as a result of using the wrong size for the face, so it is recommended to use the appropriate size and adjust the mask in proportion to the size of the face. 4. The filter when it changes color should be changed immediately. It should also be changed at least once a month, and it is preferable to change it twice a month. 5. The device must be completely changed every five years. |
| Common Problems | There are some signs that your CPAP, BiPAP, and equipment may need to be modified or replaced: 1. If the heated humidifier tank does not need to be refilled more than once every 2 to 3 days, this may suggest that the temperature and humidity settings need to be adjusted. 2. If the water never goes down, the humidifier may not be working at all. 3. If the hot plate under the water chamber does not heat up, then this may be a problem. Some evaporation will occur when air passes over water, but it is usually at a much slower rate if the heating element is not working. 4. If the air is cold, this may be another indication that it is malfunctioning. 5. If there is a heated tube and water is condensing inside it, this may indicate that the humidity setting is too high or the tube is either not connected properly or is not working. 6. The machine may also become noisier or fail to generate adequate air flow, often less than it used to be. 7. If the patient snores while wearing a mask (CPAP), and the mask is not leaking, the patient should speak to their healthcare provider. The pressure will likely increase to be fully effective. 8. If the symptoms that prompted the patient's evaluation for sleep apnea return, this may indicate that the CPAP/BiPAP machine is not working optimally, and the patient should speak to their healthcare provider. 9. If the device starts making funny noises, and doesn't seem to be generating the same pressure as before, or is otherwise moody, it may be time to replace the device. This usually happens after five years of using the device. |
| Saudi Food and Drug Authority license | Class IIa Both a CPAP device and a BiPAP device are classified as low to moderate severity. |
| Manufacturers | There are many companies that manufacture a CPAP device, the most important of which are: 1. 3B Medical 2. AEIOMed 3. Apex Medical 4. CareFusion 5. Curative Medical 6. DeVilbiss 7. Fisher & Paykel 8. Human Design Medical 9. Philips Respironics 10. ResMed 11. Somnetics There are many companies that manufacture the BiPAP device, the most important of which are: 1. EVOX 2. VENTMED 3. BMC 4. Nidek Medical 5. DeVilbiss 6. Philips Respironics 7. ResMed 8. Resvent 9. Topson The best companies that manufacture both devices are: • Philips Respironics • ResMed. |
| Sources | • Researchgate • Sleep Foundation - CPAP vs BiPAP • Sleep Foundation - CPAP Machine • MedCrave • Saudi Food and Drug Authority Document • Feeling Great • verywell health • Health Sqyre |
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