Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure devices (BiPAP) are a variation on the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines and both are prescribed for use with the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Both machines work by pumping airflow through sleep apnea masks to the nasal passageway that is connected via tubing to the BiPAP machinery. Unlike the CPAP which provides airflow at a constant rate and pressure throughout the night, BiPAP adjusts to the amount of air needed based on your inspiration and expiration, changing the level of airflow pressure according to your breathing rhythm.
A sleep study is performed to establish if the patient has obstructive sleep apnea, and to assess which machine will be most suitable for that person's treatment. In most cases it will be CPAP therapy that is prescribed after the sleep study and this form of treatment is covered by most insurance company policies. However, as the bi-level positive airway pressure devices are more expensive, some insurance companies will not cover this form of treatment unless it is prescribed as necessary by a physician.
For continued cover of the costs involved, both Medicare and private medical insurers will insist upon follow up consultations with your physician. This is in order to establish and document that the use of either machine is providing an improvement in your symptoms. As both CPAP and BiPAP are treatments that require continuous use every night to improve symptoms and quality of life. Many people find that they cannot use this form of sleep apnea treatment for many reasons as discussed below. It is important to tell your physician if you are finding it difficult to wear the device and they may be able to provide a different sleep apnea mask that is more comfortable for you to wear and use.
The benefits of using CPAP and BiPAP machines
Many studies have shown that CPAP therapy is the best treatment available for severe sleep apnea currently available today. Both bi-level positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure are considered medically safe and effective for use in adults and children alike. Obstructive apnea is effectively treated with continued use and is generally a more effective treatment than undergoing surgery.
Health benefits include:
Drowsiness or sleepiness during the day will improve or be cured
Reaction times and concentration levels often increase with treatment
Both hypertension symptoms and heart function improve with continuous use
Quality of life of the obstructive sleep apnea sufferer improves
The risks of developing other serious diseases that are attributed to severe sleep apnea are reduced
Some studies indicate that life expectancy could be increased
Problems associated with CPAP/BiPAP machine use include:
Due to the rather cumbersome machinery involved the first few nights of usage are often difficult for most patients. Patients either have less sleep than normal or find it impossible to sleep due to discomfort in wearing the sleep apnea masks associated with both machines.
Other possible side effects of usage include:
Feeling claustrophobic or a sense of slow suffocation
Problem with exhalation
Sore/dry throat sensation or sore eyes upon waking
Nasal congestion or sinus problems
Headache
Nose bleeding
Discomfort of the chest muscles which is due to the increased lung volume from the forced airflow
Sleep apnea masks problem like rashes and skin chafing and bruising, or conjunctivitis from an air leakage due to incorrect and loose fitting of the device
Inability to sleep properly long term due to either discomfort or the sound of the machine through the night
It is thought that as many as half of patients who are prescribed with this form of therapy discontinue this form of treatment for one or more reasons
Bi-level positive airway pressure devices can also be used for the treatment of Hypercapnia and some forms of restricted lung disease.
While it is true that this form of obstructive sleep apnea treatment is difficult for the patient to get used to, the benefits of use and subsequent quality of life improvement out way the problems associated with CPAP/BiPAP therapy. Regular follow-up sessions with a physician can help to overcome the difficulty in using and fitting this device and lead to a long term solution for the sleep apnea sufferer.
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