Use of the health technology

1. What Is CPAP?
CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, as it is also known as is a treatment used by
patients who have the condition sleep apnea. This condition affects around 6% of the
population, causing a person’s breathing to stop and start while they are asleep. CPAP
machines help manage the condition by using mild air pressure that enables the airways to
remain open and prevents the airway from collapsing while asleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the back of the throat relax more than they
should and prevent the required amount of air from reaching the lungs. The back of the roof of
the mouth supports these muscles as well as the tonsils and the tongue. CPAP therapy is the
most recommended treatment for people suffering from this form of sleep apnea. This form of
therapy is also used to treat infants whose lungs have not fully developed. The machine then
blows air into the baby’s nose and mouth to help the lungs inflate. The CPAP machine will be
set at a specific pressure setting and continuously pump air. This airflow pressure will be
determined by a doctor and tailored to suit your needs and requirements. Varying the inhale and
exhale pressure can cause some people to feel as though they are struggling to exhale and
even choking.
Many CPAP machines are now available with what is known as a ramp feature. This feature
means the machine starts off with a lower pressure setting and then gradually builds to the
prescribed pressure. Making the pressure at the start of the treatment more tolerable and less
immediate. Once the pressure has slowly reached the required setting, it stays at that point for
the rest of the night. This comfort feature has helped many patients adapt to their CPAP
machine and feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Most users find CPAP machines relatively easy to use and adjust to, while others may be more
comfortable with a BiPAP machine. The most common type of CPAP machines are intended to
be used at home, so they are available in a smaller size, making them most suited for domestic
use. CPAP machines are also available in travel size, making them convenient for use on
planes and while camping. There are a number of CPAP machines to choose from and different
masks in various sizes, meaning you can find a machine that not only fits you but is also
comfortable. Some people adjust more quickly to CPAP therapy than others, and this all
depends on the patient. While some people can adapt in a matter of days, it may take several
months for others.
What Is BiPAP?
Bilevel positive airway pressure is a type of ventilator that helps with breathing by using a two-
level positive airway pressure that delivers an inhale pressure and an exhale pressure. When
you breathe normally, your lungs expand when you inhale, and this is due to the diaphragm, the

2. primary muscle of breathing, going in a downward direction. When an individual has trouble
breathing, a BiPAP machine can help push air into the lungs, making breathing easier. This air
can be delivered in one of two ways, either by using a facial mask or nasal plugs that are
connected to the ventilator. The machine then supplies the positive pressure ventilation by
administering pressurized air into your airways, helping open the lungs with the air pressure.
While using BiPAP, you receive a positive air pressure when breathing in and out, but you
receive a higher air pressure when you breathe in. This ventilator is different from other models
due to this setting as others only operate with one pressure.
BiPAP machines are used in hospitals but can also be used at home; however, it is vital to use
the BiPAP machine as directed to ensure you receive the full benefits from the therapy.
What Is The Difference Between CPAP and BiPAP?
CPAP and BiPAP machines are both forms of positive airway pressure therapy and although
both machines look very similar and operate using the same masks, hoses and accessories, it
is essential to understand the difference between the two machines.
CPAP is generally recommended for obstructive sleep apnea, whereas BiPAP is primarily used
to treat central sleep apnea as well as other health conditions, including heart, lung and
neurological disorders that require structured airway support while sleeping. CPAP machines
are also available in a range of sizes, while BiPAP machines are only available in one size.
CPAP also only delivers a steady and continuous stream of pressurized air and BiPAP provides
an inhale and exhale pressure that allows you to breathe in with higher pressure and out with
lower pressure. Those with the most common form of obstructive sleep apnea will generally
start their treatment on CPAP, whereas BiPAP is more often used to treat central sleep apnea,
which involves pauses in breathing without the obstruction of the airway. The BiPAP device can
then be set to compensate for any breaks in the breathing by giving a boost of extra breath if
required. If the time between breaths exceeds the limit that is set, the machine will then initiate
this boost. It does this by temporarily increasing the air pressure.
Both of these machines have been highly beneficial during the Covid-19 pandemic in different
ways. CPAP machines are being modified to help patients and BiPAP machines have been
used to help patients who suffer from lung conditions both long term and newly diagnosed.
The main difference between the two machines is that CPAP has one pressure setting and
BiPAP has two. Depending on your condition will determine which machine is best suited for
you. It is essential to seek advice from a qualified medical professional to ensure you are using
the correct machine and for the right reasons. Although sleep apnea is a condition that affects
sleep, if you are using the right machine, it can help you to get that all-important night’s sleep
safely and comfortably.