What distinguishes BiPAP from CPAP in terms of patient ventilation?

BiPAP, or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, is characterized by its ability to provide two different pressure settings: one for inhalation and another for exhalation. This dual pressure mechanism is key in managing patients with various respiratory conditions. The inspiratory pressure is higher, assisting patients during inhalation, while the expiratory pressure is lower, allowing for easier exhalation. This variation promotes better ventilation and can be particularly beneficial for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or acute respiratory failure.

In contrast, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) delivers a single continuous pressure throughout the entire respiratory cycle, offering consistent support but lacking the adjustable inhalation and exhalation pressures found in BiPAP. This difference in mechanism primarily influences how effectively the devices address specific patient needs, highlighting the importance of the varied pressures in BiPAP for improving ventilation and comfort.