At The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia, Dr. Naseer A. Humayun works routinely with patients who are struggling with getting a good night’s sleep. They often have certain conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea, and are finding it challenging to get the rest they need to function at their best. When conditions such as sleep apnea are diagnosed, many patients are advised by their primary care provider or a sleep specialist that the use of a BPAP machine might be the best treatment. But what is a BPAP machine, and how does it work to combat sleep apnea? Let’s take a closer look at this device and how it works.
What is a BPAP machine?
Dr. Naseer A. Humayun describes the BPAP machine, which is an acronym for “Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure,” as a non-invasive ventilator device used for patients with sleep apnea to ensure they breath easier and without obstruction each night. It increases the air pressure in the throat to avoid the airway collapsing. It is administered through a mask that is worn during the night.
How does the BPAP machine work?
The BPAP machine incorporates two types of pressure, including IPAP for inhalation and EPAP for exhalation. The dual settings on the BPAP device make it easier for the patient to exhale against the air versus the CPAP device, which maintains a more constant pressure when worn. IPAP keeps the airways open and EPAP lowers the pressure to ensure that you can easily breathe out.
Who is a good candidate for the BPAP machine?
At The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia, we might recommend the BPAP device for patients who are diagnosed with obstructive, central, or both types of sleep apnea. It can also be beneficial for other patients who might experience difficulty breathing at night, such as those with neuromuscular disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The BPAP machine may also be used as an alternative to the CPAP machine, especially for those who have tried the device in the past and found it uncomfortable to wear because of difficulty breathing out against a constant pressure. The dual pressure settings allow adjustments to the device which make it much more comfortable when wearing the mask at night.
Are you considering working with a sleep specialist to learn more about the BPAP machine?
Dr. Naseer A. Humayun is a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine, critical care, and pulmonary disease, and has been serving patients in the area of Northwest Georgia for over two decades. If you are ready to learn more about the treatment of conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea, we invite you to call our office to schedule a visit to our advanced sleep center. Our office is located at 1420 Mineral Springs Road in Dalton, Georgia, and also serves patients in the areas of Calhoun and Ringgold. The Sleep Center of Northwest Georgia welcomes new and returning patients who are finally ready to take charge of their sleep disorder for a great night’s rest! Call (706) 226-2330 to request a visit today!