What is Bi-level?
Bi-level means that the pressure varies during each breath cycle. When the user inhales, the pressure is similar to C-PAP. When they exhale, the pressure drops, making it much easier to breath. Inhale, pressure rises, exhale, pressure drops. Bi-PAP is a registered trademark of Respironics, Inc. Other manufacturers make VPAP and Bi-level machines that provide this same basic feature. Sometimes you will see a “ST” behind Bi-PAP, VPAP, or Bilevel. The ST stands for Spontaneous Timed. This means that if the user does not breath on their own, the machine will initiate a breath for them. This feature is very useful in treating central sleep apnea and a host of pulmonary disorders.
