Tuesday, June 06, 2006

The difference between CPAP, BiPAP, and auto-CPAP

A reader asks "I've been on a CPAP for years, but my sleep specialist is putting me on an AutoPAP. In the meantime, my DME has me on a loaner BiPAP and I feel a lot better even after one night's sleep.Also, does the difference in machines do anything in reducing long term complications"

CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, delivers a single continuous level of pressure. CPAP is usually effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. BiPAP delivers a higher pressure while breathing in, and a lower pressure while breathing out. BiPAP can be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and is sometimes effective in treating central sleep apnea. I t can also be used to assist ventilation in various pulmonary and neurological disorders. Auto-CPAP can be used in 2 different manners: 1) to vary pressure during sleep for a person who has varying pressure requirements (for example, needing a higher pressure during REM sleep) and 2) can be used on a temporary basis to do a CPAP titration. In cases in which patients have had a CPAP titration in the sleep lab but I'm still not quite sure of the exact optimal pressure, I sometimes send them home with an auto-CPAP machine for a few nights. The machine generates a computerized printout that helps me pick the right pressure.
In OSA, the differences in the machines make no difference in reducing complications as long as the patient is compliant with treatment and receiving an effective pressure(s).

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been using a bipap for three years. But i awaken with GERD that i do not have durung the day. Is there a solution?

Anonymous said...

If you've been on any breathing assistive devices, its important to be re-evaluated annually. Reflux may indicate a need for swallowing studies, but it depends on why you are using the Bi-Pap - if its for a neuro-muscular breathing disorder, a specialist in PM&R/Pulmonary, or Pulmonary/Neuro is critically important - they're few and far between.

Me said...

I just googled CPAP/BIPAP and lucky for me I got your blog. I'm a medical interpreter and some times acronyms drive us crazy, because they change/repeat etc. The information was perfect, I was interpreting for a south american lady and it allowed me to give her the best definition ever!!
Thank you so very much, I just book marked your blog, I'll check it all later.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

boB McLendon said...

I have worn out 2 CPAP machines and a Healthdyne PSV over the last 20 years, and now am using a Respironics M series BiFlex with Humidifier. I use a chin strap but still wake up with evidence of mouth breathing. Current pressures are 19/8. Is there anything else you might suggest to get a good night of sleep?

LorrieLake said...

desparate mouth breather OSA - been using chin-ups to tape my mouth shut - but i do not recommend this method

Unknown said...

my doctor recommended a sleep study. they decided i needed a cpap machine but my insurance changed and now doesn't cover any of the cost. can i use a bipap machine instead of the cpap?

davidwhite214 said...

@Laura: As far as i know that it is okay to use a BIPAP also than of CPAP machines if you can't afford the cost of the CPAP.

Denise said...

I too as Laura stated above attended sleep study and am supposed to use CPAP but not available to me due to insurance although I had a dear friend pass away last year that was using a purchased BIPAP that here husband has so graciously offered to me to use. Is this typically accepted to do the same as long as it is calibrated & programmed as needed?
Thank you, Denise

ahwnee said...

What is the difference between a vpap and a bipap? I have bothe sleep apneas and a back up rate. I wish to know what the difference is and which is better for me, Thank You

winna said...

BiPAP or APAP, which is better? I am having OSA and central apnea since the last many years with gradual memory loss and glucose intolerance.

Unknown said...

can somebody please tell me how do i know whether i have to use cpap,auto cpap and bipap??

Unknown said...

can some body tell how do i know whether i need a cpap or a bipap device?

Unknown said...

can somebody tell me how do i know whether i need a cpap or a bipap device/?

Unknown said...

can i have some more details on this?

Jetzoom said...

Having used both if your dr will give you a bipap you will sleep better and have much less air bleed...the mask fit is the most important consideration and nose and mouth mask works the best... if you can use it you will get max benifit...

Jetzoom said...

Having used both if your dr will give you a bipap you will sleep better and have much less air bleed...the mask fit is the most important consideration and nose and mouth mask works the best... if you can use it you will get max benifit...

tomcruse said...

Nice information,Thanks for describing the differences between CPAP and CPAP- autopap .

himanshu said...


Excellent information provide for us.....................
auto-pap

Unknown said...

I read your blog and found the effective and highly productive ideas about CPAP & a-pap ....thanks

Unknown said...

I HAVE BEEN USING A CPAP FOR MANY YEARS ALONG WITH A HUMIDIFER ATTACHED. MY SETTING IS 13. IN THE MORNING I CONTINUALLY WAKE UP WITH EXCESSIVE DRYNESS IN MY MOUTH.
ANY SUGGESTION TO THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I HAVE ALREADY SET THE HUMIDIFER TO IT'S HIGHEST LEVEL AND STILL HAVE THE SAME RESULT. HOW ABOUT A SWITCH TO A BIPAP MACHINE?

Unknown said...

I HAVE BEEN USING A CPAP WITH HUMIDIFER ATTACHED FOR MANY YEARS, YET I CONTINUALLY WAKE UP WITH EXCESSIVE DRYNESS IN MY MOUTH.
MY CPAP IS SET AT 13 AND I HAVE SET MY HUMIDIFER AT IT'S HIGHEST SETTING. ANY HELPFUL COMMENTS ARE APPRECIATED.
WOULD A SWITCH TO A BIPAP HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM?

boya badana said...

BiPAP or APAP, which is better? I am having OSA and central apnea since the last many years with gradual memory loss and glucose intolerance.Very useful information. I was very pleased. Thanks


boyaci

jon wilson said...

I have visited your blog for the first time and found it a well organized blog. thanks for sharing
Autopap | Bi-pap

T.T. McQuaid said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
T.T. McQuaid said...

I have a RESMED SP-9 CPAP machine, new last Dec. I was told I need a BIPAP machine, after a 2nd sleep study. They gave me a loner to try before they give me a new RESMED BIPAP machine. The loner is only the left hand side of the machine, it clips onto the right side of my existing CPAP machine. Every word & number is identical on both machines, except the serial #. Can the RESMED SP-9 be used as both a CPAP or a BIPAP, by programming the SD card? If so why would anyone want me to purchase a new machine?

Unknown said...

I just switched from a CPAP to an AutoPAP and have been able to ditch the chin strap.I attribute that to the lower pressure during exhale. The incoming air doesn't have to have a place to go (which was through my mouth).

Unknown said...

good topic thanks adminn

Ployed Jobs said...

Bipap is very helpful for breathlessness problem.

Ployed Jobs said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rob Stolzer said...

Thanks for all of the great information. I just went through two sleep studies, and they found that I too need the BiPap Auto SP machine. I'm looking forward to getting some good nights sleep, without being hooked up to wires!

donna cox-york said...

I am using a bi-pap for only 10 days with humidifer yet I wake up very dry mouth, sneezing,eyes water also runny nose. Any help please. Thanks

donna cox-york said...

I am using a bi-pap for only 10 days with humidifer yet I wake up very dry mouth, sneezing,eyes water also runny nose. Any help please. Thanks

donna cox-york said...

I am using a bi-pap for only 10 days with humidifer yet I wake up very dry mouth, sneezing,eyes water also runny nose. Any help please. Thanks

j penney said...

my auto cpap machine is getting old and I need a new one however icant afford a new auto my coverage wont pay for the auto any suggestions on what I should go with

thuốc tốt said...

Mất ngủ là bệnh phổ biến hiện nay và bất cứ ai cũng có thể mắc phải và những bà bầu cũng không thoát khỏi cảnh bị bệnh mất ngủ . mất ngủ có ảnh hưởng đến thai nhi không là câu hỏi được nhiều người hỏi. Vậy nguyên nhân mất ngủ khi mang thaihay buồn ngủ là bệnh gì. Vậy có cách chữa bệnh mất ngủ hiệu quả nhất , cách trị chứng mất ngủ hiệu quả và an toàn nhất . Cùng đi tìm hiểu nhé.

Unknown said...

Can a cpap be used as a bypap?

Unknown said...

I know the older units couldn't be cross programmed, but what about new units. Cpap be programmed to be a bypap??

Lindsay said...

No, they may look the same but a a CPAP is kind of the "entry model" and only does one level of airflow. BiPAP gives you a higher two levels, essentially causing you to breathe in and out in sync with it. Then some BiPAP machines (ones with letters after them but I don't remember which is which) actually force you to breathe in cases of central sleep apneas.

I'm new to this but I'm very familiar with this part because they got insurance to start with a BiPAP SP because at 408 apneas in my first study they knew it was severe. Apparently they usually make you "fail" each therapy before paying for the next.

Lindsay said...

Adjust your humidifier settings? That's what I keep hearing. Turn up if too dry, down if runny nose, etc. the dry mouth...they told me basically just keep water to sip on. Nature of the beast. I use a full face mask and try to keep my mouth closed and Vasoline on my lips.

Also if you have allergies, make sure you've cleaned and disinfected everything well, replaced filters, etc. in case there is mold or something in the hose. And only use distilled water and all that good stuff.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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Adam said...

Thank you for sharing this informative article! Excellent explanation of auto cpap machines . Auto-CPAP offers a range of pressure, allowing the machine to titrate to the pressure you need at any given point in time. These machines have a built-in algorithm determining how much pressure is needed for inhalation with each breath you take.

Adam Miller said...
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