A BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a noninvasive ventilation device that helps facilitate breathing by delivering pressurized air through a mask, providing two different levels of air pressure for inhaling and exhaling
. It is used to treat various conditions that affect breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, pneumonia, asthma flare-up, and neurological diseases that disturb breathing
. Key features of a BiPAP machine include:
- Bilevel Design : The machine provides two different levels of air pressure: one for breathing in (inspiratory positive airway pressure, IPAP) and one for breathing out (expiratory positive airway pressure, EPAP)
- Pressurized Air : BiPAP machines deliver pressurized air into the upper airway, which helps open the lungs and improve oxygen levels in the blood while decreasing carbon dioxide
- Adjustable Settings : The machine can be programmed to deliver air at regular intervals or if a person's breathing becomes too shallow, facilitating more regular breathing in people with health conditions that cause slow or inconsistent respiration
BiPAP machines are similar to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, but they offer more flexibility in adjusting air pressure levels, making them suitable for a wider range of breathing difficulties
. They can be used in hospitals and are also available for home use, with various types of masks and tubing to accommodate different user preferences
