Which BiPAP Machine Is Right For You?

Which BiPAP Machine Is Right For You?

A BiPAP BiLevel, BPAP or VPAP machine (all common nominees) is for a patient with sleep apnea who needs two separate pressure settings - a higher pressure for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation. In cases where the inhalation pressure is very high, many patients find it too difficult to breath out against what seems like a gale force wind. If you have a BiPAP prescription, you may want to learn more about BiPAP machines by doing a BiPAP comparison to determine which BiPAP machine is right for you.

Which Respironics BiPAP Machines are the Most Popular?

Currently, Philips Respironics, one of the most popular names in CPAP equipment, offers three BiPAP machines. The most popular Respironics BiPAP is the Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto BiPAP Machine with Bi-Flex & C-Flex . This machine won 2016 iF design award because it was developed after significant research and patient engagement. The machine has an easy-to-use the front-facing display menu. It also weighs less than 4 pounds, making it travel-friendly. Some of the things that make it unique include:

• A hose swivel that connects to a tube
• A humidifier that detaches but is small and light enough for travel
• Different modes make it very versatile for therapy because it can be used as a standard CPAP, Bi-level or Auto Bi-level device, delivering different pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation.
• Mask check feature to identify leaks
• Easy to track therapy progress using the DreamMapper therapy tracker
• C-Flex and Bi-Flex functions improve breathing transitions
• A pressure ranging from 4-25cm H²O.
• Integrated Bluetooth® allows for remote data review and troubleshooting.
• EZ-Start - this automatic, personalized pressure adjustment helps acclimate users to their prescribed pressure.
• Advanced event detection
• Mask fit check and resistance control
• Oximetry capable
• DreamMapper patient self-management system compatibility

Additionally, this small, lightweight machine looks sleek and stylish on any bedside table, is easy to use, and also meets the requirements of BiPAP users.

This machine is also available as a standard BiPap as the Dreamstation BiPAP Pro:  It has all the same state-of-the-art features as the DreamStation Auto BiPAP Machine except that it is a fixed pressure machine with only one “mode”.

Philips Respironics is one of the most popular names in BiLevel machines, coining the phrase BiPAP. Respironics has a great track record with positive user feedback. Their Auto BiPAP machines automatically adjust to the user’s needs on a breath-to-breathe basis. Additionally, the Auto BiPAP features a proactive, multi-level algorithm that analyzes several parameters to monitor and respond to a patient’s breathing. These machines reduce airflow at exhalation. They also allow patients to refine their IPAP and EPAP pressures. All Philips machines have an optional heated humidifier.  The goal of the Philips Respironics BiPAP machine is to make for an extremely natural and stress-free experience for any BiPAP user.

Which ResMed BiPAP Machines are the most popular?

There are three very popular ResMed BiPAP machines that work well to enable PAP therapy for those who have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy due to their pressure settings.

The AirCurve 10 S BiLevel machine is a fixed pressure PAP device designed to make therapy more comfortable for non-compliant CPAP users.

The AirCurve 10 VAuto is an auto pressure PAP device for added comfort. It includes features like the ultra-quiet Easy-Breath motor and Waveform that is necessary for patients who have higher-pressure settings. Its sleek design and intuitive LCD screen make it easy to use and also customize, including setting time limits. The algorithm adjusts the baseline pressure to always keep the airway open while also maintaining a fixed pressure. This automatically adjusts pressure levels to deliver the lowest pressure necessary. Built-in wireless communication helps patients stay connected to their sleep apnea care team.  This machine is also travel-friendly and comes with an integrated humidifier. Additionally, some of the other unique features of this machine include AutoRamp and Advanced Event Detection.

AutoRamp delivers a low pressure to help patients fall asleep easily. When it detects that the patient is sleeping, it gradually ramps or increases the pressure to the prescribed setting.
Advanced event detection: This BiPAP is very effective for people who also suffer from central apneas because it can differentiate between obstructive and central apneas and deliver the appropriate therapy

The AirCurve 10 ASV machine is not only a BiLevel PAP machine but it also provides ventilation, in order to reduce the work of breathing. This makes it a very cost-effective and also reliable alternative when ventilation without alarms is required. Additionally, it delivers therapy for central breathing disorders, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea (including complex sleep apnea) and associated obstructive events. By automatically adjusting pressure support this BiLevel machine quickly stabilizes respiration to improve oxygen content in the blood.

What is the cost of a BiPAP Machine?

A BiPAP or VPAP machine is generally more expensive than a standard CPAP machine due to the technology within the machine.  Secondly, the BiPAP machine is a more complex machine which, in severe OSA cases, can actually breathe assist.  A BiPAP or VPAP machine typically are over $1000 and can rise as high as $4000 for the most sophisticated and essential machines.

Which BiPAP Machines come with humidifiers?

All new CPAP and BiPAP machines have optional humidifiers which are quite complex.  Humidifiers deliver the optimal temperature and humidification for CPAP users to provide additional comfort during therapy.  Humidifiers typically have a few settings which increase the warmth of the air.  It also does not need to be on, so the air can be at room temperature.  More recently, manufacturers have added a heated CPAP tube to their humidification systems.  These heated CPAP tubes also help to reduce rainout which is caused by the buildup of condensation within the tube itself.  Rainout can become a nuisance as it typically runs into the face of the CPAP user.  Humidification also significantly reduces dryness and soreness in the nasal passages.

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes.