Why would a bilevel be used instead of an APAP

I get they have two different pressures for inhale/exhale, but when would one need a bilevel instead of APAP?

If they are to treat centrals, why not an ASV?

Bilevel has a higher pressure capability and can set separate inhale/exhale pressure greater than APAP.. If someone truly has Central Apnea, they wouldn't be treated with a bipap...they would need an ASV. Because someone has some CA's does not mean they have Central Apnea.

Apaps only go up to 20cm. My tritation said I needed 23 -24 cm to keep my airway from collapsing. Its not to treat centrals.

Bilevel machines can also offer more pressure support than regular machines. In other words, they can give a bigger pressure boost when you inhale. This can be useful for people whose sleep is disrupted by flow limitations and, possibly, hypopneas. Some sleep doctors also believe bilevel machines help patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). And sometimes bilevel machines are prescribed to help patients who have some other kind of difficulty with inhalation (e.g., COPD, obesity).

AFAFAF wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 03, 2021 10:40 am

I get they have two different pressures for inhale/exhale, but when would one need a bilevel instead of APAP?

If they are to treat centrals, why not an ASV?

"they" aren't to treat centrals, only ASV style bilevels effectively treat centrals. ST machines can, sort of, treat centrals, but they also exacerbate the problem.

I have a Bipap because I had aerophagia with regular CPAP. It made a big difference.