What is BiPAP? How does this machine help with breathing difficulties? (BiPAP)

Do you sometimes feel a little short of breath? Or does someone in your family, perhaps a father, snore loudly at night while sleeping, and feel like they are suffocating for a while? Today we are going to talk about a special machine that doctors use in such cases. That is called BiPAP. You may have heard this name in a hospital. Let's see what it is and how it works.

What is BiPAP in simple terms?

Simply put, BiPAP is a machine that helps you breathe. Its full name is Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. But no one says that long name, it's called BiPAP for short. If you can breathe on your own, but you can't get enough oxygen into your body, or if you can't get enough carbon dioxide out of your body, your doctor may decide to use this machine.

The biggest advantage of this is that it is a 'noninvasive' method. That is, it is not connected to a tube in your throat like someone in an intensive care unit (ICU). Instead, it delivers air through a mask that fits your face . Therefore, it is very safe.

Think about it, "Positive Airway Pressure" means that this machine pushes air into your nose, mouth, and trachea at a slightly higher pressure than normal. That higher pressure keeps your airway open, and it helps a lot with air entering and leaving your lungs.

The word "bilevel" means that this works at two pressure levels .

1. When breathing in (Inhaling): Air is given at high pressure. This is medically called Inhalation Positive Airway Pressure `(IPAP)`.

2. When exhaling: Air is given at a lower pressure. This is called Exhalation Positive Airway Pressure `(EPAP)`.

These two pressure levels make you feel very comfortable both when you inhale and exhale. This machine is designed to automatically adjust the pressure according to your breathing pattern.

In what situations is a BiPAP machine needed?

A BiPAP machine is used in emergencies as well as for chronic conditions. Some people even use this machine at home. Let's take a look at the most common conditions for which it is used.

What is the difference between BiPAP and CPAP?

You may have also heard the name CPAP. Although both are machines that help you breathe, there is a slight difference between the two.

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This machine continuously delivers the same pressure . This means that whether you breathe in or out, you get the same pressure. CPAP machines are recommended for many people with sleep apnea.
• BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): As we mentioned earlier, this provides two levels of pressure . It provides higher pressure when you breathe in and lower pressure when you breathe out.

For some people who find it difficult to get used to the CPAP machine, the doctor may recommend a BiPAP machine.

How does BiPAP treatment work?

There are slight differences between the way this is given to you in a hospital and the way it is used at home.

If in a hospital or ETU...

If you are admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) in an emergency, a doctor or nurse will be the one who will connect you.

• First, the BiPAP machine is turned on and the pressure levels are adjusted to suit your condition. This is also called titration.
• Then, you choose a mask that fits your face and tighten it. Some masks cover only the nose, while others cover both the nose and mouth. It is adjusted precisely so that it does not get stuck or gets stuck.

If you use it at home...

If you have been given a BiPAP to use at home due to a condition like Sleep Apnea, you will have to adjust it yourself.

• Place the machine in a stable place and check that the filter is clean. If there is a humidifier, fill it with clean water to the correct level.
• Connect the hoses to the machine and mask properly. Your doctor or medical equipment supplier will explain all of this to you clearly.
• Then, while sitting , put the mask on your face and adjust it properly.
• Turn on the machine, go to bed, and sleep. If necessary, adjust the mask a little more.

What are the benefits and risks of this?

Like any medical treatment, BiPAP treatment can have both benefits and risks.

Important: To use a BiPAP machine, you must be able to breathe on your own. It only helps you breathe. It cannot be used by someone who has completely stopped breathing.

What can I do to get used to the BiPAP machine?

It's normal for this machine and mask to feel a little strange and uncomfortable at first. But you can gradually get used to it. Here are some simple tips to help.

• Choose the right mask for you: There are many different types of masks on the market. Ask your doctor about the best one for you, based on your sleeping style and face shape.
• Get used to wearing the mask: Wear the mask for a while during the day, without turning on the machine. Like when watching TV or reading a book. Then it will be easier to get used to the feeling.
• Use it every day: Especially for sleep apnea, use it every night without skipping a day. If you skip a day, it will be difficult to get used to it and the results will be less.
• Use the "Ramp" feature: If your machine has this feature, turn it on. It will give you a low pressure until you fall asleep, and then gradually increase the pressure to the desired level once you do. This will make it much easier to fall asleep.

If you experience any discomfort, such as dry skin or stuffy nose, talk to your doctor. It may be possible to adjust the humidifier in the machine or use another method.

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