Using BiPAP Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a breathing treatment for sleep apnea and other health conditions that impact breathing. This treatment is less common than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, in some situations, it is more beneficial.

For example, where CPAP provides consistent air pressure, BiPAP offers varying pressure. BiPAP's difference in air pressure can be helpful for people who have trouble exhaling against CPAP's continuous pressure.

This article explains how BiPAP is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

What Is BiPAP or Bilevel Therapy?

Much of a BiPAP machine is the same as the standard CPAP machine. For example, it still requires a face mask and tubing connected to the device. But there are some differences between BiPAP and CPAP.

The pressurized air settings of the BiPAP include:

• Inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP): This is the pressure the machine provides as you inhale. The BiPAP provides a higher IPAP than the CPAP. So, when you inhale, the BiPAP supports your breath as you take it in.
• Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP): This is the pressure the machine provides when you exhale. The BiPAP offers a lower pressure that allows you to breathe out comfortably.

Beyond these standard settings, there are a few other available variations. They include:

• Bilevel ST: This includes the timed delivery of a breath if the machine detects a pause in your breathing. These pauses often occur in central sleep apnea.
• Auto or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV): These advanced settings vary the timing, length, and volume of the breaths the machine delivers. 

When BiPAP Therapy Is Used

BiPAP is breathing support that treats central sleep apnea. The cause of this condition is now always known, but it is sometimes seen in people who have:

• Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
• Opioid use
• Congestive heart failure
• Prior stroke

Doctors may also prescribe it in more severe obstructive sleep apnea. BiPAP is beneficial when mixed apnea events are present, suggesting a component of central sleep apnea.

In addition to treating central sleep apnea, BiPAP is also helpful in the following situations:

• People who have trouble with CPAP: People who have difficulty breathing out against CPAP pressure may benefit from BiPAP. People more commonly have problems with CPAP when higher pressures are required to keep the airway open. For example, at pressures higher than 15 centimeters of water pressure (CWP), BiPAP may help to improve compliance among those struggling with CPAP therapy.
• People who are hospitalized: BiPAP is a non-invasive treatment for people who are in respiratory distress but who do not wish to be on a ventilator.
• People with neuromuscular disease: It may be helpful in those with conditions that cause nerve and muscle weakness, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

BiPAP, Bilevel, and VPAP

There is some confusion about the word BiPAP, bilevel, and VPAP. They are all essentially the same thing. However, the names of the device vary somewhat based on the manufacturer. They include:

• Respironics: One of the major manufacturers of these devices, Respironics, has registered BiPAP as a trademark name for the technology generically called bilevel.
• ResMed: The other major competitor, ResMed, calls similar devices VPAP (variable positive airway pressure).
• AirCurve: ResMed also markets AirCurve that is a bilevel device. 

Summary

In most cases of obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP alone is sufficient as a therapy. However, BiPAP may be a good alternative in the more complicated scenarios or when it is difficult to tolerate CPAP.

A Word From Verywell

BiPAP is an alternative to CPAP to treat those with central sleep apnea. In addition, those who cannot tolerate CPAP and those hospitalized with respiratory distress who do not wish to be on a ventilator may opt for BiPAP.

If you wonder whether BiPAP would be appropriate for you, start by speaking with your sleep doctor. After they evaluate your risk factors and sleep study, they can recommend the proper treatment.