Important Points You Need To Know Before Buying or Renting a Bipap Machine
Are you planning to buy or rent BiPAP Machine for home use? Here is some simplified technical information.
What is a PAP Machine?
PAP stands for “Positive Airway Pressure.” You may imagine Positive Pressure as “Blowing” and negative pressure as “Suction.” As the name suggests, Bipap machines help open the obstruction in a patient’s airways by blowing air under a pre-set pressure. These tiffin box-sized machines deliver Compressed air to the patient’s airways through a hose pipe and a mask. PAP machines can manage various diseases/conditions that make the patient’s natural breathing difficult. The devices combine a sophisticated compressor, some sensitive sensors, and intelligent programming.
What is a BiPAP Machine?
BiPAP is a “Brand Name” owned by Philips. The correct name for these machines is “Bi-Level.” Various companies make these machines and sell them under different brand names like Resmed, and Oxyimed. This article uses the word BiPap.
BiPap is a kind of Non-Invasive Ventilator (NIV). Non-Invasive means the therapist does not insert tubes into the patient’s windpipe and does not create a hole in the throat (trachea, tracheostomy) for using it. A ventilator means it is a machine that helps the user breathe.
How does a BiPap Machine Work?
A BiPap machine delivers two levels of Positive(Blowing) Pressure to the patient’s airways to keep the airways open so that patient may inhale and exhale effectively. IPAP when the patient inhales and EPap when the patient exhales. The patient uses a mask depending on the chosen model and based on various criteria guided by the doctor/therapist.
Who needs a BiPap?
Individuals suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, COPD, Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Pneumonia, Asthma Flare Up, Compromised Breathing after surgery, or Neurological diseases which affect Breathing may need a BiPap machine.
How does a BiPap Machine help a patient?
The purpose of Breathing is the exchange of gases. Our body needs a constant supply of Oxygen(O2) and needs to throw out Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The exchange takes place in Lungs. Lungs can do this only if air from the nose or mouth passes through the airways (bronchi) and reaches the lungs and vice versa. Unfortunately, some diseases obstruct the airways and compromise breathing. Sometimes, in addition to this, the lungs also get affected, further complicating the situation. As a result, the patient’s oxygen level may decrease, or the Carbon Dioxide level may increase. This is an alarming situation.
The patient’s breathing may improve with BiPap’s positive pressure, which helps open the obstruction. Depending on the patient’s condition and the model of BiPap, the doctor/therapist decides on the values of IPAP and EPAP. She also tries to optimize various factors of breathing like breathing rate (BPM), the volume of air in each breath (Tidal Volume), etc., to ensure the desired levels of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the patient’s body.
Why do companies offer different models of BiPap?
Different models have different modes, options, and smartness levels. Some are more economical than others. Patients’ needs also vary. For example, a patient may need the machine only to help open the airways, while there are patients whose brain is also not sending signals to start/stop inhalation/exhalation. Some models only provide the prescribed pressure support. Some models also optimize the desired pressure by analyzing the patient’s breathing pattern. The most advanced models are smart enough to take over the complete breathing process for utterly helpless patients while offering features that ensure improved compliance, convenience, and comfort.
What are the accessories with a BiPap Machine?
There are three main accessories. Humidifier, Hose Pipe, and Mask. A humidifier is an optional accessory, while a hose pipe and mask are essential. Humidifier, as the name suggests, helps add humidity to the air blown to avoid dryness in the nostrils, mouth, throat, or airways. There are two sizes of connecting tubes and three types of masks. Different sizes are available in Full face masks, Nasal masks, and Nasal Pillow. The user may choose the right one based on the medical need and condition, guided by the doctor/therapist and the supplier/technician.
Is it Better to Buy or Take Bipap Machine on Rent?
It is much better to take the Bipap machine on rent. Firstly it helps you to try a device (which is reasonably expensive) without investing a lot of money. Secondly, the renting company maintains it; therefore, you are free from maintenance hassles. Thirdly you never have to worry about the situations which may arise out of the unlikely event of the machine developing a fault (as the renting company will immediately supply you with a replacement).
You also do not need to worry about the device going redundant. Please note that the companies introduce machines with newer technologies every second year. A machine generally lasts for about five years. Once you have bought it, you are stuck with the device (technology) for five long years.
If you have rented the machine, you may ask the renting organization for the latest technology machine as and when it is available in the market.
Why take it from Medirent?
Medirent is India’s original home healthcare company. It introduced the concept of renting medical equipment for home use in 2007 when it was completely unheard of. In these 15 years, Medirent has served more patients than any other home care organization. Medirent has also gained the maximum domain knowledge & has the largest team of well-trained service executives. In addition, Medirent’s well-trained and experienced counselors can help you choose the best model for your patient. Moreover, Medirent is the exclusive partner of the maximum number of home care companies and hospitals & has the most extensive equipment inventory and offers 24X7 support.
