There have been a lot of talks on Sleep Disorders lately. Not many would have thought this “not so dangerous” medical condition to swamp all across America in such a short period! Though it doesn’t fall on the higher side of the risk scale, it is gradually climbing up! So, what exactly triggers sleeping disorders like suffocation or abrupt slowdown of air intake that leads you gasping for breath? One of the most discussed reasons is “obesity”. It is much related to obstructive sleep disorder as it is associated with the soft tissues of mouth and throat. There are many other reasons like the development of tonsils, tumor formation in the airway passage, etc that lead to the collapse of the throat and mouth tissues during sleep, depriving the lungs of the much-needed Oxygen!

The frustrated “sleepless” nights leads you to the physician who might now introduce you to the world of Positive Airway Passage (PAP) machines! There are primarily three types of PAP Machines –

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Passage)

APAP (Automated Positive Airway Passage)

BiPAP (BiLevel Positive Airway Passage) or VPAP (Variable Positive Airway Passage)

BiPAP Ventilation

How long can someone live on a BiPAP machine

If your beloved one is facing trouble in breathing during the period of sleep and is advised with a BiPAP ventilation therapy, it should be continued until he/she is well enough to breathe comfortably by themselves without the aid of any mask.  

In theory, the patient is advised BiPAP therapy for an indefinite period. It depends upon many factors that include the person’s capacity to support the treatment. Reducing excess weight, omitting junk or unhealthy food from the diet, regular exercises, quitting smoking and alcohol are some of the best practices to support your body in getting a free-flow respiratory system. Unless there are physical constraints that need surgery or medical assistance, any efforts from the patient's side are good headstart towards mechanical-free breathing.

Sleep Apneas can either be OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) or CSA (Central Sleep Apnea)

A lot depends upon which side you belong to! The OSA can be further broken down to 3 groups

• Mild (5-15 sleep interruptions)
• Moderate (15-30 sleep interruptions)
• Severe (More than 30 sleep interruptions)

OSA can be generally controlled by the CPAP machines.

Know more about Sleep apnea & the risk factors it is associated with!

The CSA (Central Sleep Apnea) is a less common condition than OSA. It is generally more medically oriented as the brain fails to send signals for the person to breathe. It also differs from the OSA where the airway passage needs not be blocked due to muscle collapse or any physical obstruction.

Some of the causes of CSA include

• Cheyne – Stokes Syndrome

The medical condition is characterized by a gradual increase in breathing followed by a decrease. This pattern is then followed by a period of Apnea when the breathing is stopped for a temporary period. The cycle repeats itself.

Opioid-Induced Apnea

Our body has a tendency to react to chemicals, especially sedatives. Opioids can make respiratory systems go weak during sleep. The breathings go shallow and lead to cessation eventually resulting in CSA.

• Altitudes

Higher altitudes usually have thin air and it becomes difficult to inhale in Oxygen. This is also a good reason for developing CSA

BiPAP machines are used to treat the CSA. They can also be used for people suffering from COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

The BiPAP machine for sleep apnea work on the mechanism as to provide high pressure set during Inhalation and low pressure set during Exhalation

BiPAP Titration – Why is it Important?

BiPAP ventilation is only prescribed when CPAP therapy is ineffective.

BiPAP therapy provides two independent pressure ranges to maintain the airway stability during periods of sleep. It supports the ventilation requirement during both – Inhalation and Exhalation

The Inhalation Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) is set for a higher pressure setting and the Exhalation Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) is set for a lower pressure range.

The titration process involves the prescribed pressure settings as directed by the physician. The patient is then fitted with a facial mask (Full face/Nasal/Nasal Pillow) that offers comfort. The mask should be well fit in order to avoid leakage.

The BiPAP is set for upper and lower pressure range to the user's comfort. The BiPAP titration can be done in a single night or 2 consecutive nights to come to the conclusion on air-pressure calibration.

BiPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea: Buyers Guide

Know your BiPAP machine better!

Some key points that will help you understand the BiPAP machine for sleep apnea better!

BiPAP machines have these components –

• Humidifier (optional)

The humidifier is a small reservoir that holds water. When the BiPAP machine is switched on, the air is pulled inside the humidifier which is then humidified so as to ease the breathing process of the user. Humidifiers can either be built-in or detachable. Not all BiPAP Machines would come with the humidifier.  

• Air Filter

Air usually is made up of pollutants and agents like dust, pollen, dust, and contaminants, etc.  Air filter is a component that prevents the entry of such agents during the respiration process. It inhibits the entry of the contaminants in the airflow generator, as users may be subjected to allergies and so on. These air filters are replaceable and can be washed and re-used.

• Hose

Hose is a lengthy pipe (up to 6 feet) and it connects the facial mask to the BiPAP generator. The shallow tube helps transport the airflow under maintained pressure. It is a detachable component. 

• Air-Flow generator

The air-flow generator is a small component that fits in a small box and includes a fan that draws the air in the room inside the humidifier. The air is humidified and pressurized as per the settings of the BiPAP device and paved through the connective hose to the mask of the user.

Need to replace the BiPAP Accessories? Get the best ones!

The BiPAP Masks – A complete guide

1. Full Face Masks

Full face masks cover the bridge of the nose and goes till the bottom of the mouth. It forms a tight seal thereby preventing any air leakage. It has adjustable straps that wrap the face to keep the mask from falling apart. It is most suitable for those who need high air pressure settings. People who breathe through their mouth while sleeping too can use the full face mask for comfortable breathing.

The mask is a complete NO to those who often sleep on their stomach or sideways. There is a high chance of the mask coming off. Those who wear glasses too should prevent the full face mask.

2. Nasal Masks

Nasal masks cover the bridge of the nose to the upper lip. It forms a tight seal to prevent air leaking off. It comes with a chin-strap to keep the sleeper’s mouth closed. This mask can be comfortably used by people who tend to turn during their periods of sleep. It is also a good option for side-sleepers. Moreover, those who need high-pressure airflow can use the Nasal masks comfortably.

The Nasal mask should be avoided by mouth-breathers.          

3. Nasal Pillow

The nasal pillow is the most comfortable of all and it covers the tip of the nose to the upper lip. It fits into both nostrils with ease. Nasal pillow generally prevents any marks on the face as seen in full-face masks. Its cushion reduces the irritation around the nares. It can be comfortably worn by people who wear glasses, have thick facial hairs, who frequently turn during sleep or the ones who need lower air pressure settings.

Nasal pillows should not be used by people who need high air pressure settings. Mouth breathers too should stay away from nasal pillows.

How often should you be changing the CPAP Masks? Find Out!

BiPAP Machine Reviews – The Best BiPAP Machines for 2020

The Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP AVAPS Machine is exclusively preferred by Sleep Apnea patients for its capability of delivering the best results. The device is loaded with the best-in-class features like Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity and Data Storage capabilities. The BiPAP machine gives the user a consistent supply of air pressure in the smoothest manner and avoids any discomfort. It gives the user a cheerful sleep and a pleasant Apnea Therapy experience!

AVAPS – The Average Volume Assured Pressure Support plays a key role in comforting the user with the much-needed airflow supply. Its mechanism helps the patient adapt to the pressure levels during the sleep therapy in an automatic manner.  

Data Storage – The DreamStation tracks the progress of Sleep Therapy and with the built-in Bluetooth connection it gives your device direct access to the data. All you have to do is download the Philips Respironics app on your phone and connect with the BiPAP’s Bluetooth. You can also store the data in your personal SD card and share the therapy information with your doctor.

Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity – Many a time the user tends to remove the mask unintentionally during his/her sleep. Sometimes, there may be leakage due to improper fittings. This gives a discomforting experience and the purpose of the sleep therapy gets defeated. The Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity detects the slightest leakage and makes necessary adjustments in pressure range to keep the situation under control.

Features of the Respironics DreamStation AVAP BiPAP

• Lightweight and Portable
• Leak Detection
• Data Tracking / Storage
• Advanced humidification
• Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity

Shop at lowest price - PR DreamStation BiPAP AVAPS Machine 

2. ResMed AirCurve 10 ST BiLevel Machine w/ HumidAir

The ResMed AirCurve 10 ST BiLevel Machine w/ HumidAir has come up as one of the best Bi-Level’s to be ever made! It provides greater comfort to the user and comes with the best quality components. With innovative technology, the AirCurve 10 ST takes sleep therapy to another level! It is most suitable for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Some of the top-notch features the device offers are  –

TiControl – This feature allows the user to set minimum and maximum time limits on the time the device spends during the Inhalation phase. The time limits are set at either side of the patient’s ideal spontaneous inhalation time, providing enough opportunity for the user to enjoy maximum breathing during the therapy

Climate Control Technology – This intelligent feature is capable of adapting to the surrounding temperature and humidity conditions where the BiPAP is placed. It delivers optimal temperature and humidity for the best breathing comfort right till the mask. It makes the sleep therapy a successful and comfortable session

AirView Data Management Service – The most innovative and effective data interface! The ResMed captures the sleep therapy data which is uploaded instantly onto a shared storage system. The data can be accessed by the user or the physician. The AirView installation and setup comes free with the purchase of any AirCurve device

SD Card – The BiPAP machine has an integrated wireless module and includes a data card. The wireless module enables the user to transfer their therapy data to their physician; via the internet.  The device can store data summary of up to 365 days.

Shop at lowest price -  ResMed AirCurve 10 ST BiLevel Machine w/ HumidAir

The Pro’s and Con’s of BiPAP Machines

The Pro’s

• Most suitable for people suffering from severe to complex sleep apneas and those having trouble with getting enough oxygen and expelling enough CO2. BiPAP’s improve the respiratory mechanism and helps the bodily functions more efficiently
• The ability to work on dual pressure range (higher for inhalation and lower for exhalation). This is a lacking feature in CPAP’s
• BiPAP’s are helpful for patients having neuromuscular diseases. CPAP are unable to provide the necessary assistance for such patients
• BiPAP’s are an excellent option for patients suffering from Congestive Heart Failure.
• BiPAP’s have found to be efficient for patients with COPD. Regular nigh-time BiPAP use improves the breathing quality of the patients and increase long-term survival

The Con’s

• Users may experience discomforts like dry nose, inflammation of nose and nasal congestions
• It is a challenge to get adapted to the BiPAP. One may find it difficult to adjust to the variable pressure ranges.
• Having improperly fitted masks leads to air leakage and defeats the purpose of BiPAP
• BiPAP’s are expensive than the CPAP’s

How much does a BiPAP Machine cost?

If you have CSA (Central Sleep Apnea) there are good chances that your physician might recommend a BiPAP. Though the therapy is aimed to give you comfortable respirations while you sleep, the BiPAP machine price varies according to the sophistications it provide and how advanced it is!

We, at Help Medical Supplies, offer you the Best of BiPAP machines at the lowest price! Check out our online store where you can come across leading brands like Philips Respironics, ResMed, and  DeVilbiss, etc. Get the best discounts for the day! The BiPAP machine price we offer is unmatched and the service we offer is unparallel!

The good thing is you may now be able to Rent BiPAP Machines of your choice and enjoy the treatment at the comfort of your home.

Parting Thoughts

Getting the best BiPAP machine is always useful in your fight against Sleep Apnea. Cherry on the cake is when you get the machine at the lowest price! We, at Help Medical Supplies, offer the most premium APAP CPAP BiPAP machines at unmatched prices. Moreover, you also get fast shipping on the order placed. 

At Help Medical Supplies, we always strive to provide a comprehensive range of medical equipment and products that help you adopt a healthy and better lifestyle. With these products, there is always a possibility of getting the best health aid you have always deserved at the best services! Check our online store for a wide range of APAP CPAP BiPAP Machine that you had always desired for you or your loved ones!