According to a recent study, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common health condition that affects roughly 39 million people in the United States. One symptom you’re likely to experience if you currently suffer from sleep apnea today is snoring. Although this sleep disorder is not dangerous itself, it can always lead to different complicated health conditions if left untreated. These conditions include kidney, heart, and metabolic health issues.
To avoid complicating your health conditions, you certainly need to treat your sleep apnea as soon as you start experiencing it. Two treatment options worth considering in this case are CPAP and BiPAP.
- What exactly are BiPAP and CPAP?
- Which should you go for: CPAP or BiPAP?
- How to choose the right CPAP or BiPAP machine?
You’ll find all you should know about these OSA-related questions as you continue reading this post.
Understanding the differences between BiPAP and CPAP
BiPAP and CPAP are two different types of positive airway pressure systems, which are effective for treating sleep apnea. BiPAP or BPAP means bilevel positive airway pressure. CPAP, on the other hand, means continuous positive airway pressure. These aforementioned systems work through machines, which redirect air into an OSA sufferer’s airway and lungs.
Agreed, both positive airway pressure systems have a lot of things in common. However, when it comes to their mode of working, they have a few differences. Knowing these differences will assist you when choosing a suitable system to treat your sleep apnea.
● How do both systems work?
As earlier mentioned, both CPAP and BiPAP work almost the same way. They work by helping to push air through a nose & mouth machine into the upper airway and lungs. This push creates pressurized air, which keeps the airway from getting narrowed or blocked during sleep.
The biggest difference in the way both PAP systems work can be seen in the amount of pressure they produce.
- Bilevel-positive airway pressure machines offer two levels of air pressure. One of them is high air pressure and this is useful during inhalation. The second one is a low level of air pressure for exhalation.
- Unlike BiPAP, CPAP machines offer the same level of air pressure during both inhalation and exhalation.
● Cost
The prices of BiPAP and continuous positive airway pressure machines vary. CPAP systems are known to cost between $500 and $1,000. On the other hand, BiPAP machines are a lot more expensive. This is simply because they need additional sensors and settings. As such, these bi-level systems often come with a price range of $1,700 – $3,000.
● Insurance
CPAP therapy is advised if you’re the type that uses private health insurance. Your BiPAP therapy may not come with insurance coverage unless your insurance company knows you’re CPAP intolerant.
BiPAP vs CPAP: Which is ideal for your sleep apnea?
Depending on your sleep apnea condition, your doctor may recommend using a BiPAP or CPAP machine. Your response to other treatment options may also determine the better option for you.
- If you have OSA, the ideal therapy is CPAP.
- You’ll most likely be recommended to try BiPAP therapy if you have complicated obstructive sleep apnea or any other severe breathing disorder. These health conditions often require high-pressure levels to balance the blood oxygen level or blood carbon dioxide level.
Need help finding the best CPAP or BiPAP machine? If yes, you can visit iSleepBetter today.
