CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) are two forms of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation used to treat breathing difficulties, particularly sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. They work by delivering pressurized air to the airways, helping to keep them open and prevent breathing disruptions during sleep. Here’s an overview of CPAP and BiPAP:

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure):

• Function: CPAP delivers a continuous and constant pressure of air to the airways throughout the breathing cycle.
• Treatment: CPAP is primarily used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to breathing pauses and disrupted sleep. By providing a constant flow of air, CPAP keeps the airway open, allowing normal breathing and reducing apnea episodes.
• Machine: A CPAP machine consists of a motor that generates pressurized air, a mask or nasal pillows that deliver the air to the patient’s airway, and tubing that connects the machine to the mask.
  

  BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure):

  • Function: BiPAP delivers two different levels of airway pressure: a higher pressure during inhalation (IPAP) and a lower pressure during exhalation (EPAP).
  • Treatment: BiPAP is commonly used for various respiratory conditions, including sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory failure. The different pressure levels in BiPAP make it easier for patients to breathe out, especially in cases where there is difficulty exhaling against higher pressures.
  • Machine: A BiPAP machine has two pressure settings: IPAP (inspiratory positive airway pressure) and EPAP (expiratory positive airway pressure). The machine monitors the patient’s breathing pattern and switches between the IPAP and EPAP levels accordingly.