Frequently Asked Questions A BiPAP//Bilevel is a medical device which helps a patient to improve his/her breathing. This delivers two types of pressures while breathing IPAP (Pressure during Inhalation) & EPAP (Pressure during Exhalation). Generally, IPAP is kept higher than EPAP. Difference between these pressures helps to deliver desired ventilation while breathing. A dedicated BiPAP/BiLevel is used with a BiPAP Mask (With Vents to exhale Air)
Generally BiPAP is used to manage the Respiratory disease conditions like COPD, Sleep Apnea or other critical respiratory illness etc.
This device can be used in hospitals and at home too. A doctor can recommend to use it at home for a stable patient who requires the continuous or intermittent support for breathing
Breathing is a passive process for human body and due to respiratory illness, patients have difficulty in breathing which leads to excessive energy loss for breathing and lack of Oxygen levels in Body. A BiPAP/BiLevel provides the mechanical ventilation and takes the responsibility for effective breathing. This leads to better level of Oxygen in body and reduces the chances of hospitalisation. In some studies it is proven than early initiation of BiPAP therapy in COPD patients has reduced the mortality rate
It's very critical to identify the right mask for therapy. There are two types of Masks available for
BiPAP/Bilevel Therapy: Vented & Non Vented.
Vented Mask : This mask has some vents/holes in it so that exhaled air can be released easily. When Bipap is used with sigle tube than it should always be used with vented mask. For Home care usage its a preferred mask.
Non Vented Mask : This mask doesn't have any vent/holes in it. This is used with invasive ventilators when two tubes are used for ventilation. Generally it is used in hospital settings.
Standard accessories of device are the main Machine, Humidifier, Tubing, Power Adapter and Bag. In some companies machine humidifier is optional
Patients may feel dryness in mouth or nose, bloating when used in high pressure, if right settings are not used than this may lead to therapy failure and hospitalisation again
Yes, the Doctor can suggest this device if patient requires higher pressures for Apnea control or if patient has Sleep Apnea with COPD
1. Always follow the instructions from Dr/Hospital
2. Choose a right mask (Vented for Single Tube & Non Vented for Double Tube)
3. For first time usage always keep patient in reclined position and slowly expose the patient to air with the help of a mask
4. Ask the service provider to apply the proper comfort settings
5. This should not be used in unconscious patient
When to Rent: if usage is required for short duration, if patient wants to get comfortable with machine before purchase. In India renting a BiPAP is common practice and easliy available.
When to Buy: If uasge is required for a longer period of time, if you don't want patient to expose with any previously used device
BiPAP machine is a medical device which is used to treat respiratory issues like COPD , Obesity Hypoventilation, Overlap Syndrome , Sleep Apnea etc . Bi PAP machine is also known as mini ventilator. It can be used in hospital and home care setting also.
BiPAP machine helps a patient for inhalation and exhalation during the breath cycle. Based on the settings in device Bi PAP can assist for ventilation or it can control the ventilation too.
A BiPAP device strictly should be used after a medical advice. A Dr can recommend to use BiPAP when patient’s lungs or body is not able to ventilate properly on its own, hence Bi PAP is added as a respiratory support. Majorly it is being used in cases of chronic COPD , Central Sleep Apnea etc.
In Chronic COPD cases when a patient is repeatedly hospitalised due to exacerbations so Dr can suggest to use BiPAP at home.
BiPAP assists a patient to inhale and exhale at given pressures. These pressures are mainly known as IPAP and EPAP. BiPAP delivers IPAP & EPAP with each breath. Due to this complete breath cycle patient gets proper ventilation and O2/CO2 levels are maintained.
IPAP is known as Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure which means when patient starts inhalation BiPAP will take air pressure to given IPAP settings. For Example, if Dr has suggested pressure of 15/5 then Bi PAP will increase the pressure up to 15cm of H2O when patient starts inhalation.
EPAP is known as Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure which means when patient will start exhaling the air , BiPAP will reduce the pressure to given EPAP settings . For Example, if Dr has suggested pressure of 15/5 then BiPAP will deliver IPAP up to 15cm of H2O during inhalation and reduce pressure up to 5cm of H2O during exhalation (EPAP).
Difference in IPAP and EPAP is known as pressure support(PS). Due to pressure support CO2 gets washed out from Lungs in COPD cases and oxygen levels can be maintained.
BiPAP is mainly used with a Full Face/Oronasal mask but there can be total 3 types of masks which can be used with Bi PAP .
1. Nasal Mask: This type of mask covers only Nose and used mainly for low pressures.
2. Full Face /OroNasal Mask: This type of mask covers Nose and Mouth both. This is an ideal mask to be used with Bi PAP because there might be need of higher pressures during Bi PAP therapy.
3. Pillow Mask: This covers only Nostrils and used for low pressures. This is not a preferred mask with Bi PAP therapy.
BiPAP machine price in India can be varied based on Company, Model etc.
A new Bi PAP machine in India can be purchased between INR 35000- INR 150000.
BiPAP machine is a life saving device and many studies have shown than using BiPAP regularly can prolong the life in COPD patients. If BiPAP is started early then it can lead to a lot of health benefits and saves the expense burden of frequent hospitalisation.
BiPAP delivers only Air during therapy so there are no major side effects but its very important to use a right setting and right mask (Vented) otherwise it may lead to life-threatening situations. Please take assistance of trained technician to set up the BiPAP.
BiPAP rental is always a good option in India . BiPAP rental can be taken for a month or so before you decide to purchase it. During BiPAP rental period patient can be settled down with the therapy and then money can be invested to purchase the device.
Bi PAP is available on rent in India from INR 2500/Month – INR 9000/Month
BreatheNest’s focus is to provide professional & personalised care pan India. We have a network of 200+ service providers in India who are specialised and trained to offer the support based on patient’s need. BreatheNest & associated partners understand the patient’s need and trained to provide specialised care. We also offer –
• Counselling Support on therapy
• Same day service
• Competent pricing
