CPAP Machines (fixed pressure)
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for Sleep Apnea treatment is by far the most popular form of treatment. CPAP delivers a constant level of airway pressure and is set at a single pressure level by a sleep specialist. Patients who use CPAP therapy note an improvement in several symptoms such as daytime fatigue, headaches, memory loss and insomnia.
APAP Machines (automatic pressure)
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) therapy is a form of Sleep Apnea treatment where machines can flow within a range to adjust air pressure automatically to provide a user with just the right amount of pressure needed to keep the patient’s airways open.
BiPAP Machines (2 pressures)
BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure therapy or VPAP therapy, differs as a form of Sleep Apnea treatment in the sense that it doesn’t offer the patient just one consistent airway pressure level. BiPAP therapy works by delivering two set pressure levels: inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP). Oftentimes, a Sleep Apnea patient may struggle to get used to a single pressure level or will need extra respiratory support. If this is the case for you, your sleep specialist will determine what your ideal IPAP and EPAP settings will be based on testing.