There are actually several different machines that are available in the market today that help the sleep apnea patient to breathe better during the sleep cycle. With so many different models and options that these sleep apnea machines offer, it can become confusing very quickly. Your physician will probably recommend the correct machine for your condition; however, you still need to know about the machine and what it does exactly for your condition.
BIPAP Machines
BIPAP (Bi-Level Positive Air Pressure) machines are the same thing as VPAP (variable positive air pressure) or Bi-level machines. These machines help the patient to breathe better by doing two different things. First, it helps to force air into the lungs. Second, it helps to hold the lungs open so that more oxygen can enter into the lungs. The machine is aided by a mask apparatus that is strapped on to the head and face. As the patient exhales, the machine applies pressure to the lungs so that the air sacs will remain open.
This machine is usually recommended whenever a patient cannot breathe completely by themselves. The BIPAP machine is used whenever the physician is trying to avoid placing a breathing tube in the patient. There are some complications that are associated with the BIPAP machine. Of course, sores around the mask area or soreness in the area and bloating which is caused by swallowing air. The machine is relatively quiet and safe to use.
These machines are referred to as bi-level because they provide two different levels of pressure. Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) and Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) are the two different pressure levels that are offered with these machines.
There are several different modes that are incorporated into these machines that help the patients and the doctors to ensure that the patient will receive a certain predetermined amount of breaths per minute.
o First, there is the "S" mode (spontaneous). This mode is triggered by spontaneous inspiratory that is detected within the patient and then the machine directs the breathing back into EPAP.
o Second, the "T" or timed mode is an option that is used whenever the physician determines that they want the patients breathing to be completely machine triggered and usually a rate of breaths per minute is set (BPM).
o Finally, there is the S/T mode (spontaneous/timed). This mode is used whenever the physician would like to let the patient breathe upon their own but just in case of failed attempts, the machine will automatically be triggered to give the patient a certain amount minimum breaths per minute.
These machines are available in portable options along with several different extra features. For example, flexible chin straps or a built in humidifier are just two to choose from.
The BIPAP machines are very important to a patient in which it is prescribed. There are several different places to purchase the machines from as well as any needed and necessary supplies to go along with it. Shop around between the different manufacturers, if possible, so that you can see who offers the best deal because these machines cost around 00 or so.
