BIPAP

What is BiPAP?

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a breathing device for treating obstructive sleep apnea and other pulmonary conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A BiPAP machine is a type of ventilator that delivers pressurized air into your lungs through a face mask or nasal plugs. The air prevents your throat muscles from relaxing and obstructing your airways while you sleep to ease snoring and prevent pauses in your breathing.

If you snore, have trouble breathing, or experience other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, the team at Texas Multi-Specialty Group can order a sleep study to confirm your condition before recommending treatment with a BiPAP machine.

Why do I need a BiPAP?

You may be a candidate for treatment with a BiPAP if you have obstructive sleep apnea or COPD but aren’t able to tolerate treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device or aren’t responding to CPAP therapy.

Treatment with BiPAP differs from CPAP because it offers two alternating levels of pressurized air to make it easier for you to breathe air out. With CPAP use, many people find it challenging to adapt to breathing out against the airflow.

Your Texas Multi-Specialty Group provider can pre-set your BiPAP device to match your natural breathing pattern for easier breathing and more comfortable sleep. 

What can I expect while using a BiPAP machine?

The team at Texas Multi-Specialty Group uses the ResMed BiPAP machines that feature the AutoSet™ technology to automatically regulate airflow pressure while you sleep.

Your provider provides instructions for your first use of the BiPAP machine to help you adjust quickly. It may feel uncomfortable wearing the mask or nasal plugs at first, but the system works quietly so not to disturb your sleep.

The Texas Multi-Specialty Group team also provides resources to help you clean and maintain your BiPAP device. They closely monitor the effectiveness of your BiPAP therapy to ensure you’re able to breathe easily throughout the night and no longer snore or gasp for air.

If you can’t tolerate using a CPAP, schedule a consultation to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment with BiPAP. Schedule an appointment online or call the Texas Multi-Specialty Group office nearest you today.