WHAT IS A BILEVEL POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE MACHINE (BIPAP)? 

Bilevel-positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a machine that helps you breathe. It’s a form of noninvasive ventilation that providers might use if you can breathe on your own but aren’t getting enough oxygen or can’t get rid of carbon dioxide. Unlike invasive mechanical ventilation, which connects to a tube in your throat, BiPAP delivers air through a mask on your face.

“Positive airway pressure” means that the device pushes air at a higher pressure into your airway, and “Bilevel” means that it gives you airflow at two different pressures. Providers use BiPAP in certain emergency or intensive care situations. Some people also have a BiPAP machine at home for chronic conditions.

HOW DOES THE BIPAP MACHINE WORK?

The machine's motor blows pressurized air through the tube and the air enters into your lungs through the mask. This expands the size of your lungs, resulting in easier inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide.

At first, you might feel uncomfortable using a BiPAP machine, or you might not understand how to use it. That's why it is important to carefully follow your doctor's instructions on how and when to use a BiPAP machine. 

WHAT KINDS OF BiPAP MACHINES ARE THERE?

Manual BiPAP machine (Fixed pressure): These BiPAP devices have fixed pressure. The pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation on a fixed BiPAP are predetermined in the device's settings and remain constant throughout the night.

Auto BiPAP machine: These BiPAP machines automatically adjust the pressure. They are made to make the therapy for sleep apnea more comfortable. 

What are the various modes available in a BiPAP machine?

BiPAP machines have different modes that contribute to effective therapy

• Spontaneous mode (S)

• Time mode (T)

• Spontaneous and time mode (ST) 

• CPAP mode 

BIPAP MASKS THAT ARE USED WITH BIPAP MACHINE

Selecting a BiPAP mask that suits your needs is crucial check the mask size before using a BiPAP machine.

Full-Face BiPAP Mask: Recommended by doctors for its superior effectiveness, this mask fully covers the face, including the lips and nose, providing comprehensive coverage while you sleep.

Nasal BiPAP Mask: Enclosing only the nose, this mask is ideal if you frequently move during sleep. It offers comfort and stability for those who change positions often.

BiPAP Nasal Pillow Mask: This mask features a small cushion that fits under the nose, with some models including prongs that insert into the nostrils. It's a great choice if you have facial hair or prefer a less bulky option.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF BiPAP MACHINE?

You might use a BiPAP machine if you have certain ongoing conditions or an emergency where you need help breathing. Providers can treat the following conditions with BiPAP:

• Heart failure.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Obstructive and central sleep apnea.

• Hypercapnic respiratory failure. 

• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Breathing problems after a medical procedure.

• Neurological diseases that negatively affect breathing.

• BiPAP machines are used in hospitals to treat breathing emergencies and are used at home to help with chronic conditions.