CPAP vs VPAP vs BIPAP vs Auto Servo Ventilation

A majority of children and adults diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea seek treatment with continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP). If sleep apnea is suspected in a case, the doctor will most likely order a sleep study to confirm his diagnosis. Based on the results obtained in this way, various devices can be prescribed (a distinction is made between CPAP, BiPAP, APAP and VPAP). In this section we would like to take a closer look at these treatments. In particular, we examine their characteristics, similarities, differences and advantages and disadvantages.

CPAP compared to BiPAP

CPAP : Continuous positive pressure ventilation

BiPAP : Biphasic positive pressure ventilation

A CPAP machine is designed to deliver air into the sleeper's throat at a preset pressure. This increases air pressure while you sleep.

This prevents the airway from collapsing. An even pressure is always used. Initially, patients find this treatment uncomfortable due to the compressed air on their eyes and mouth.

This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. However, this problem can be avoided by using properly fitting face masks.

A device that works with biphasic positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP), on the other hand, generates two different pressures: first for inhalation (IPAP) and then for exhalation (EPAP). The former is usually higher than the latter.

This is to mimic the natural breathing pattern and therefore easier and more natural breathing. This type of treatment is reserved for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea and/or cardiac or respiratory disease and/or central sleep apnea.

As with CPAP, the patient takes part in a sleep study in the sleep laboratory, during which the best pressure settings for him are determined.

It is important to check the print settings regularly and make appropriate changes as necessary.

Commonalities

1. Both CPAP and BiPAP are the most prescribed treatments for sleep apnea.
2. Both can be fitted with an air heater and humidifier if required (usually when nasal congestion problems arise)

• Both are non-invasive treatments for sleep apnea.

Differences

1. A CPAP machine works with a single pressure setting, whereas a BiPAP machine produces two different pressures; the one for inhalation (IPAP) and for exhalation (EPAP).
2. A BiPAP machine is more expensive than a CPAP machine.

• The pressure settings on the CPAP machine do not need to be controlled as much as those on the BiPAP machine.

1. If you have difficulties with the CPAP machine, you can switch to a BiPAP machine.
2. A BiPAP machine is more effective for patients with heart disease because it reduces breathing effort.
3. A BiPAP machine is often more effective in patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This is because the different pressures for inhalation and exhalation help eliminate the accumulated carbon dioxide.

APAP and VPAP

APAP: Automatically adapting positive pressure ventilation.

VPAP: Variable positive pressure ventilation.

VPAP therapy is designed to treat central sleep apnea. Breathing is regulated from breath to breath. This form of treatment minimizes the so-called Cheyne-Stokes breathing (periodic increase and decrease in the depth of breathing and the distance between individual breaths interrupted by breathing pauses). This in turn leads to an increase in the time in the REM sleep phase.

APAP devices have been shown to prevent hypopneas and apneas before they even occur. The device automatically adjusts the pressure settings to changes in sleeping position and even the respective sleep phase.

Devices that work with APAP and BiPAP are sophisticated and cost-intensive ventilation systems. However, they are more effective in treating sleep apnea.

Verdict

The selection of a treatment depends on the interaction of various factors. These include, but are not limited to: the severity or type of sleep apnea, cost implications, comorbidities (e.g. of the heart or lungs). Your doctor will have advice when it comes to choosing the most suitable device for your case.

I wish you a restful sleep!

Related: CPAP VS VPAP

Deep details about CPAP vs VPAP vs BIPAP 

What is CPAP?

CPAP , short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy, is a treatment method for patients with sleep apnea. CPAP machines use gentle air pressure to keep the airway open and are typically used by patients who have breathing problems while sleeping. More specifically, CPAP therapy helps ensure that your airway doesn't collapse when you breathe while you sleep.

Why use CPAP?

Although using CPAP therapy takes some getting used to, following this treatment method can pay off significantly in the end.

• Keep your airway open while you sleep.
• Reduce or eliminate your snoring.
• Improve your sleep quality.
• Reduce or eliminate daytime sleepiness, a symptom of sleep apnea.
• Avoid or significantly reduce high blood pressure.

What is VPAP?

Understanding the difference between different forms of PAP therapy can be confusing and complicated. CPAP? APAP? BiPAP? Auto BiPAP? Two-stage? VPAP? With so many terms and abbreviations, figuring out what type of treatment is best for you and your sleep apnea can be a daunting task.

We are here to help! In this article we will cover everything related to VPAP. What does VPAP stand for? How do VPAP machines work? How are VPAP machines different from APAP and CPAP machines?

What does VPAP stand for?

Coined by ResMed, VPAP stands for Variable Positive Airway Pressure. VPAP is ResMed's branded name for Bi-Level or BiPAP therapy. The term is interchangeable with bilevel PAP or BiPAP. Whenever you hear or see VPAP, think BiPAP!

How does VPAP therapy work?

The name VPAP or variable positive airway pressure speaks to the function of VPAP devices. VPAP devices deliver air at two pressure levels IPAP and EPAP. IPAP stands for inspiratory positive airway pressure and EPAP stands for expiratory positive airway pressure.

Doctors prescribe specific IPAPs and EPAPs based on the severity of your sleep apnea. When you inhale, the air pressure increases to your prescribed IPAP. When you breathe out, the air pressure drops to your prescribed EPAP.

Is VPAP therapy right for you?

Have you found that CPAP and APAP machines are an unsuccessful form of sleep apnea treatment for your symptoms? Do you feel tired and foggy even though you use your CPAP or APAP machine at night? If this sounds like you, then a VPAP or BiPAP machine could be the perfect solution for your sleep apnea!

Like CPAP and APAP devices, VPAP and other bilevel devices treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In addition to OSA, VPAP/BiPAP devices are also an effective form of treatment for central sleep apnea (CSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

When used in conjunction with additional therapies, VPAP/BiPAP devices can also treat neuromuscular diseases, pneumonia, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chest wall deformities.

What is BiPAP or Bilevel Therapy?

Many of the components of a BiPAP machine are similar to those of the standard CPAP machine. For example, it still requires a face mask and a tube connected to the device.

The key differentiator of BiPAP is that the compressed air is delivered in two alternating planes.

When BiPAP therapy is used

BiPAP is a breathing support method often used to treat central sleep apnea, a condition that occurs with opioid use, congestive heart failure, and previous stroke.

It may also be used for severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when mixed apnea events are present, suggesting a component of central sleep apnea.

It may be used to treat patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), especially those who complain of difficulty exhaling against the pressure. This is more likely to occur at higher pressures when these are required to keep the airway open.

Although this threshold varies, it is often required at pressures greater than 15 centimeters of water pressure (CWP). It may help improve compliance in those who struggle with CPAP therapy.

In addition, it is a non-invasive tool that can be used on hospital patients who are experiencing respiratory distress but do not want to be placed on a ventilator. It may be helpful in patients with neuromuscular weakness, such as can occur in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Auto servo ventilation

Adaptive Servo ventilation or ASV is a device used to treat sleep apnea. It's a newer, non-invasive option that helps you breathe evenly at night.

CPAP, BiPAP, VPAP What is the difference?

BiPAP stands for Bi Level Positive Airway Pressure, while VPAP stands for Variable Positive Airway Pressure. Although the basic functionality is more or less the same as a CPAP machine, BiPAP and VPAP machines are more advanced thanks to their ability to monitor a patient's breathing

When it comes to treating your sleep apnea, the right device can make all the difference. However, before determining whether a Z2 Auto Travel CPAP or a Philips Respironics DreamStation is the best option for your needs, you first need to know which type of treatment device is the best choice for treating your condition.

Sleep apnea treatment devices are often categorized with labels such as CPAP, BiPAP, VPAP, or even APAP. While this may seem confusing at first, understanding how these devices differ in treating sleep apnea is essential to quality treatment.

With the help of your doctor, you can find the device that best affects your sleep. Here's a closer look at what these terms mean and how they affect your sleep apnea treatment.