Introduction to BiPAP/CPAP

Ventilation is one of the important aspect which has to be given by a Respiratory Therapist based on the disease the patient is suffering from. BIPAP/CPAP are the two methods opted for the ventilation process. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and BIPAP stands for Bilateral Positive Airway Pressure. Both the methods do not require insertion of any tube but it just requires a face mask similar to a snug while undergoing any therapy. BIPAP and CPAP machines are generally given for patients suffering from disorders like Sleep Apnea, Congestive Heart Failure, Lung disorders etc. .and it allows the patients to breathe easily at night.

CPAP delivers pressure continuously, that is, the pressure remains the same irrespective of whether the patient is taking a breath or has stopped breathing. BIPAP delivers a different pressure when the person is inhaling and a different pressure when the person is exhaling. Thus in the process ,two different ways of exercising pressure is followed. They are:

IPAP – Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure

EPAP – Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure

The Therapists and the nurse should have a sound knowledge of these therapies so that the treatment is imparted in the right manner.

The respective caretaker should ensure that CPAP/BiPAP is used during all naps and all night time sleep without any disruption. To get adapted to the therapy, the following points should be meticulously followed:

• At least one hour a day, the patient must practise the use of CPAP/BiPAP machine at home to get accustomed to it at the earliest.
• One end of the tube should be attached to the mask and the other end to the CPAP/BiPAP unit and the system has to be switched on. The breathing should be gradually practised while reading or doing any simple activity in the sleeping position or while watching television.
• The patient should first start using the CPAP/BiPAP machine during the nap time, then extend the use for around 2 to 3 hours during the night sleep and then finally to the entire night sleep.
• At each step, proper guidance would be given by the respective caretaker.
• Then a person can also progressively work with the unit in use but the inhalation/exhalation should happen only through the nose.
• If a patient is unable to cope up with the therapy, they should not panic as some patients may take even a longer time to get accustomed to the therapy

In the above process, patients may suffer certain problems like nasal allergies, temperature problems, nasal dryness, nasal irritation etc. But if a patient sticks to the hygiene factors and follows the caretaker’s instructions, the therapy will run in a smooth manner.