BiPAP and Bi-Level Machines

Bilevel machines (BiPAP) are sleep apnea devices that deliver two pressure settings. One pressure is set to your inhalation (IPAP), and one is for your exhalation (EPAP). An example of a bilevel setting is 14 cm/10 cm H2O. Bilevels are most often prescribed for people who are intolerant of high CPAP pressures or have limited lung function that restricts exhalation and can cause CO2 retention. Bilevel devices are available in fixed pressure, auto adjusting, and advanced models. Please note, bilevel is the general term for this type of therapy, BiPAP is a trademarked name for Philips Respironics models, and VPAP™ is a trademark name of ResMed devices. A variable PAP machine is similar in function to BiPAP machines. Both feature two pressure levels to match a patient’s natural inhalation and exhalation patterns. Like a CPAP machine, the device is also used to treat sleep apnea breathing. A BiPAP machine may use oxygen when the therapy is done in conjunction with oxygen therapy.