Why a BiPAP Machine Is Used, and BiPAP for COPD

BiPAP is the short form of Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, which is a type of machine that is used to enhance the oxygen intake for the patients having issues with breathing. There are various conditions when a doctor recommends the BiPAP machine for the patient like lung diseases, when respiratory muscles did not function well, patients with breathing issues during sleep and other such disorders. This BiPAP machine is a type of non-invasive treatment working with two different pressures and helps the patient by providing higher pressure during inhale and lowers the pressure during exhale. This machine is useful in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and doctors can suggest the machine after determining the condition of the patient. In some cases, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is also recommended after assessing the condition of the patient.

What Is a BiPAP Machine?

A BiPAP machine or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure is a medical device used to enhance the oxygen support to the patients having breathing issues. This machine can work at two different pressures, where it can provide higher pressure during inhalation and reduce the same during exhalation. This non-invasive treatment procedure is effective in various breathing conditions like COPD, lung diseases or patients having issues breathing while sleeping. The BiPAP machine consists of a motor, with required pipes, mask and adjustable pressure settings for different patients. In some machines, there is a humidifier included which helps to reduce dryness and make the experience comfortable for the patient.

How Do the Two BiPAP Pressures Work?

The BiPAP machine has two pressure features which works well with different patients having varying abnormalities related to breathing. The BiPAP therapy supports inhalation and exhalation at different pressures making the machine preferable in most cases.

1. Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP)

IPAP or Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure is high pressure delivered to the patients having breathing issues. This pressure helps the patient to reduce the effort of oxygen intake and is also effective in removing most of the carbon dioxide.

2. Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP)

EPAP or Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure is pressure during the exhalation which helps to keep the airway open. This is useful in supporting the breathing process and maintaining the air pressure during the process without disruptions.

Why BiPAP Machine Is Used

A BiPAP machine is used to support the patient for the airflow during breathing having issues related to breathing. This machine is effective for patients having lung diseases, COPD, difficulty of breathing during sleep and other related conditions. Here are the list of common uses of this machine and those include:

• The machine is used to reduce the effort required for breathing in patients having respiratory abnormalities.
• The machine is useful in improving the inhalation and exhalation.
• BiPAP is very effective to reduce the carbon dioxide levels in the body by maintaining the differential temperature.
• Patients with sleep related apnea can use this machine to reduce the effort and have good sleep without disruption.
• This is the non-invasive procedure which helps to prevent the oxygen reduction in the body and helps to improve body ventilation.

BiPAP for COPD: How Does It Help?

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a serious chronic lung condition which leads to various complications like emphysema, bronchitis and other related lung disorders. This condition can narrow up the airways and the mucus production can block the air passage. BiPAP is the non-invasive support for the patient with breathing issues and complications, which obstructs oxygen flow and leads to breathlessness. This machine helps to provide oxygen support with masks at different pressures and helps the patient get stable and keeps them at a comfortable state. Every patient with COPD or lung conditions does not need BiPAP and various conditions can be treated with medications or simple inhalers. But patients with serious complications are diagnosed and provided the support and suggest the machine if doctors feel the same.

When BiPAP Is Required

The required need for BiPAP can be decided by the doctor on the basis of patient condition. This machine is usually suggest for the patient having serious breathing issues and respiratory disorders and some conditions include:

• Respiratory failure
• Sleep apnea
• Neuromuscular conditions
• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
• Certain heart and lung conditions

BiPAP vs. CPAP: Key Differences

BiPAP and CPAP machines are used for the patient having respiratory issues and helps by enhancing the oxygen supply. Here is the list of key differences between these machines:

To know more about how CPAP therapy works, read our guide on how a CPAP machine works and why it is used.

Is CPAP or BiPAP Better for COPD?

This can be determined by the doctor based on the condition of the patient and level of respiratory disorder. BiPAP machine is usually used for chronic COPD conditions and patients having serious lung diseases where they need ventilator support. This helps to increase the oxygen supply and also helps in removing excess carbon dioxide from the body. CPAP is usually used for the sleep breathing conditions like sleep apnea and other related conditions. Both machines can be prescribed by the doctor only after proper examination and patients may not need any of these devices in some conditions.

What Daily Use of a BiPAP Machine Looks Like

There is a proper procedure to use BiPAP machine for effective use of this device which makes it comfortable and safer for treatment. Here is the stepwise procedure for effective usage of the machine.

1. Prepare the equipment
2. Fit the mask
3. Start the prescribed therapy
4. Monitor comfort and symptoms
5. Clean the equipment
6. Attend follow-up appointments

The Doctor's Role in BiPAP Treatment

The doctor plays an important role in the BiPAP treatment and its course of action during the usage of the machine. Doctors help to assess the condition of the patient and based on the severity of the condition, various appropriate steps are being suggested. Depending on the situation and case, there are various settings which can be suggested like the time of usage, pressure setting, masks, humidifiers and other related settings based on the patient.

• Will help to evaluate symptoms
• Can determine oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
• Fitting of mask and need of humidifier
• Pressure required for supplementary oxygen
• Suggests the follow ups for effective use of the machine

The BiPAP machine is not suitable for all patients, it is only recommended by doctors based on the severity and need of the patient.

Getting a BiPAP Machine at Home

A BiPAP machine is easy to get from an urban or metro city where it can be a little difficult to get in rural areas. People can get this machine from the hospitals, diagnostic centres, clinics, medical equipment suppliers and some provide these machines on a rent basis. If the need is temporary, patients will prefer a rental machine where continuous use should be purchased. Before getting any BiPAP machine, patients should connect with a doctor or pulmonologist for the best machine device as per requirement. Doctors can help to get one with proper setting, good brand, and help to check for required accessories of the machine for the effective use of the same. Kosmed Healthcare provides BiPAP machines on rent in Delhi NCR with free home delivery and 24x7 support, and you can contact our team to get started once your doctor has prescribed one.

Note: BiPAP is not recommended for any individual, always consult a doctor before using this machine.