Sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airways are either blocked or drastically narrowed during sleep. This prevents individuals from breathing and causes them to gasp awake throughout the night. One of the primary treatments for sleep apnea is positive airway pressure therapy, with the most common forms being Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP).
“The right sleep apnea treatment, whether CPAP or BPAP, is crucial for achieving restful sleep and improving overall health. Understanding the differences and working with your healthcare provider can make all the difference in effective management of your condition,” says Robert Miller, Apria's Vice President of Sleep Business.
CPAP and BPAP machines are designed to keep your upper airways open by pushing compressed air through a tube and into a face mask or nasal mask. This ensures you can breathe easily throughout the night, effectively treating sleep apnea. Both systems are portable and can utilize humidification and other accessories to enhance comfort.
CPAP is most commonly prescribed for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as the first line of treatment. Here are some key points about CPAP:
BPAP therapy is versatile and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of patients with various respiratory conditions:
CPAP is generally more effective for treating OSA, while BPAP is better for patients who find CPAP intolerable and for those with Central Sleep Apnea or other complex breathing conditions.
In summary, both CPAP and BPAP offer practical solutions for managing sleep apnea, each with specific-use cases and benefits. If you’re having trouble with your current treatment, don’t hesitate to contact a Respiratory Therapist at your local Apria branch to seek advice on possible adjustments or alternatives. For information on Apria's sleep care program, visit our website.
References
Baluch, Anna. “CPAP vs. BiPAP: What’s the Difference?” Edited by Rafael Sepulveda Acosta. Forbes, December 1, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/conditions/sleep-apnea/cpap-vs-bipap/.
Cleveland Clinic medical. “BIPAP.” Cleveland Clinic, May 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24970-bipap.
Girouard, Ayla. “CPAP vs. BiPAP vs. APAP: What’s the Difference?” Edited by Donya Currie. NCOA Adviser, February 22, 2024. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/cpap-apap-bipap/.
Peters, Brandon. “Learn the Difference between CPAP versus BIPAP to Treat Sleep Apnea.” Verywell Health, October 10, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-difference-between-cpap-and-bipap-3015316.
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