BiPAP- or BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure- is a medical grade device similar in many aspects to the CPAP. However, a BiPAP has two separate pressure settings available. One of the main complaints of patients using a CPAP is that they find it difficult to exhale against a higher pressure. Patients require the high pressure setting […]

BiPAP- or BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure- is a medical grade device similar in many aspects to the CPAP. However, a BiPAP has two separate pressure settings available. One of the main complaints of patients using a CPAP is that they find it difficult to exhale against a higher pressure. Patients require the high pressure setting at the inhalation phase, so that enough quality oxygen is being pumped into the lungs.The BiPAP device has two different settings- one pressure for the inhalation phase, and another lower pressure for the exhalation phase. Therefore, patients get higher comfort levels with BiPAP therapy, since they will receive the higher prescribed pressure at the inhalation phase, but the machine will turn to a lower pressure setting when the patient exhales. The machine returns to the higher prescribed pressures each time inhalation occurs.

BiPAP machines generally represent the ideal solution for patients who have lower oxygen levels in their system and who require higher oxygen pressure settings. Also, many healthcare providers will recommend switching to a BiPAP machine, especially if the patient cannot get used to CPAP therapy. Congestive heart failure patients would also be prescribed the use of a BiPAP instead of a CPAP, as well as for patients with neuromuscular diseases or complex lung disorders. CPAP with C-Flex technology is somewhat similar to how a BiPAP works, but C-Flex is regarded only as an added comfort feature and the pressure relief offered is up to 3cm.

The BiPAP machine is capable of offering higher pressure relief settings, starting at 4cm and going upwards. C-Flex technology is recommended mainly for patients who only require a slight pressure relief when exhaling.

Let’s check out some of the most popular, efficient and highly technologically advanced BiPAP machines for 2018. They are all available on the market, offered through reliable distributors:

ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto

Resmed Aircurve

This is a travel friendly bi-level machine that comes with an in-built heated humidifier for maximum comfort. This auto-adjust device is typically used by patients who suffer from sleep apnea. The pressure levels adjust automatically in order to make sure patients will receive the lowest required pressure of oxygen into their lungs. The inbuilt humidifier also ensures that patients receive oxygen at comfortable temperature and moisture levels. Patients who require higher pressure levels, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers, will definitely enjoy appropriate therapy thanks to the AutoSet proprietary algorithm and the Easy-Breathe waveform module.

AirSense 10 machines are all equipped with the integrated humidifier. Thanks to the Climate Control option, patients can rest assured they will enjoy appropriate comfort all throughout the therapeutic session using the machine. AirSense 10 also comes with inbuilt wireless technology and patients can manage/track/record data through the AirView application. Healthcare providers can change pressure settings or perform troubleshooting remotely anytime these changes are needed. AutoRamp is yet another feature that enhances comfort during therapy. The sleep onset detection module will help delivering a much lower pressure while the patient falls asleep. When the ramp time is up, the machine will revert to the higher prescribed levels of pressure to assure therapy compliance.

  • Ambient light feature- an inbuilt sensor which helps adjusting the brightness levels of the screen depending on the light available in the surrounding environment.
  • Easy –Breathe motor- an incredibly quiet motor which helps the patient and his bed partner get a restful and comfortable night of sleep. This motor is surrounded by high quality isolating materials, and this results into a peaceful environment, without noisy disturbances.

ResMed AirCurve also features advanced event detection. The device is actually capable of differentiating between Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This way, patients can rest assured they will receive at all times the most appropriate type of therapy. Patients will also find it very easy to navigate the device and make new settings thanks to the large color LCD screen and the intuitive controls.

When you purchase the AirCurve 10 VAuto, this is what you will get in the box: main unit + Humidifier integrated humidifier, tubing system, water tub, power supply unit, stylish travel bag, SD Card, 1-year warranty card from the manufacturer. Optionally, you can also purchase the ClimateLine Air heated tubing system.

Drive DeVilbiss IntelliPAP AutoBilevel System

Devilbiss Intelipap

Drive IntelliPAP is a machine designed to offer maximum therapeutic comfort even during higher required pressures. The machine is a fusion between the AutoAdjust and BiLevel technologies in order to deliver comfortable therapy, especially at higher oxygen pressures. Thanks to the innovative Flow Rounding technology, patients can enjoy the best comfort and relief even during pressure level transitions. Flow Rounding technology assists and follows your natural breathing pattern.

This device can be used as a standard CPAP machine, an auto adjusting breathing device, standard BiLevel therapeutic device or Auto Adjusting BiLevel. Healthcare providers can now easily adjust the hypopnea/Apnea detection according to your personal needs and requirements. You can also easily keep record of your berating activity during the first half of the night thanks to the Split-Night feature. DevilBiss Auto BiLevel is a device highly recommended by the best experts in the industry, and the machine has less than 1% failure rate.

  • Remote therapy tracking and managing through SmartCode technology
  • Flow Rounding technology for maximum relief between pressure transitions
  • Whisper quiet operation at only 26dbA
  • Stacked design- fits nicely into any environment; takes up little space

The device features auto On/Off technology, which means that the unit will start delivering therapy at required pressure immediately as the patient inhales into the mask. Thanks to the long, 8-foot power cord patients can now position the unit more easily wherever they want. The device has reminders which alert the patient when parts need to be replaced. When you purchase the unit, you will also receive a stylish travel bag, so that you can take therapy with you when travelling.

The Humidifier chamber comes with overfill protection, it is corrosive resistant with a stainless steel plate. The chamber has a large capacity of 400ml, which helps delivering up to 8 hours of continuous use even on the highest setting.

When you purchase the device, this is what you will get in the box: the main IntelliPAP unit, a spare pack of filters, AC line cord, a stylish carrying case, air supply tubing, an instruction guide and an educational DVD on how to set up and use this device. The unit comes with a 3-year warranty on the IntelliPAP unit, 3-yeas on the heated humidifier and a 3-month warranty on the humidifier chamber.

Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Auto

Respironics Dreamstation

Philips Respironics Dreamstation is a BiPAP machine designed with user-friendliness, comfort and high efficiency in mind. This particular model has also won the 2016 iF design awards, and this model is also up to 28% lighter than other models within this range. If you are looking for a stylish, high-performance BiPAP machine that you can trust for your daily therapy…the DreamStation machine is definitely the ideal choice.

This BiPAP has 3 different therapy modules that you can use: a fixed CPAP device, Auto BiPAP and Fixed BiPAP. The Bi-Flex and C-Flex features will also help smooth the transition between breaths in order to offer you maximum comfort all throughout required therapy. Yet another important aspect is that thanks to the high-performance heated humidifier, patients will not experience any rainout.

  • Performance check- each morning, the machine will display to you a report with the summary of last night’s therapy. This way, you can make the necessary changes in order to enjoy the most personalized therapy.
  • DreamMapper- use DreamMapper app to receive ongoing therapeutic feedback or to review your history. DreamMapper is an extremely useful tool not only for patients, but also for their healthcare providers.
  • EZ-Start- this function is particularly helpful for beginners who need time to gradually accommodate with certain pressure settings
  • DreamStation BiPAP features: mask type resistance control, Advanced Event detection, Oximetry, DreamMapper management tool
  • Humidification system: pre-heat humidifier option, fixed/adaptive/ optional heated tube
  • What’s in the box: BiPAP Auto Device, i-built Bluetooth, SD Card, detailed user manual, stylish carrying case, Flexible tubing system, 2-year warranty card, power supply/power cord, ultra-fine filter (disposable type).

There are many types of BiPAP devices available on the market. However, you should make sure to purchase a device that is recommended by your healthcare provider. You should also select a device that can indeed offer you the most efficient therapy day or night, or while traveling. This is why the price should not be the first determining factor when purchasing a BiLevel device. Instead, you need to ensure that the unit can meet your needs and requirements in terms of pressure settings, comfort levels, humidification needs, ease of use, and so on. Always purchase such devices solely through the highest rated and reputable distributors. Take your time to carefully check all the details, and even read the instruction manual available online to ensure you are about to invest in a unit that you can trust for your therapy.

Comments

Default user avatar
Barbara E. Sylvester
February 24, 2019 9:18 am

Do they make a travel bipap machine?

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
February 27, 2019 2:34 pm

At the current time there is not a BiPAP machine in travel size on the market.

Default user avatar
Joseph DeLibero
January 30, 2020 9:56 pm

Are there any travel VPAP machines on the market yet?

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
February 4, 2020 6:36 pm

There currently are not any travel size VPAP or BiPAP machines on the market/

Default user avatar
Denise
August 29, 2018 3:34 pm

Very good recommendations for those with Obstructive Sleep apnea. You should specify that. Those with CSA will not do well with any of these recommendations.

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
August 31, 2018 8:12 am

You are correct If you are diagnosed with Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) there are only two machine that you can use: Resmed AirCurve 10 ASV (Auto Servo Vent) or the Philips Respironics DreamStation AutoSV. No other machine will potentially save your life.

Default user avatar
"Mendo" Bruce Buckner
May 9, 2018 3:40 pm

Which, if any, of these machines would be best for emphysema patients who need help with Co2 retention and relief of respiratory muscle fatigue?

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
May 10, 2018 6:59 am

The machine we would suggest is not listed as it is not a machine used as often. We would suggest you look inot the ResMed VPAP COPD. You will find information on it at the following link: https://www.sleeprestfully.com/vpap_copd.asp

Default user avatar
Waqas Yousaf
September 18, 2018 12:19 am

have you got a machine which help with CO2 retention, my patient is ALS but she is retaining CO2 on bipap machine so looking for some advance machine

Default user avatar
Charles Goldberg
September 18, 2018 7:28 am

Check out the ResMed VPAP COPD. I think it is exactly what you are looking for:

https://www.sleeprestfully.com/vpap_copd/

Default user avatar
John Richards
September 21, 2018 3:32 pm

A pillow

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