C-Pap vs Bi-Pap

[TeresaB930, BSN, RN]

Can someone please help me to understand the difference between C-Pap and Bi-Pap? I had a patient with sleep apnea with a Bi-Pap machine....for some reason I thought only C-Pap was used for sleep apnea.

One more question......the difference between ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate.....or more importantly when you would use one over the other. I thought ferrous sulfate doesn't mix well with some meds, making gluconate the drug of choice for that patient.....is this correct?

Thank you!!

[everthesame, LPN, LVN]

CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway Pressure....meaning airflow is continuously at the same level of pressure regardless of inspiration or exhalation.

BiPAP = Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure...meaning there is higher airflow for inspiration and lower airflow for exhalation. I also think BiPAP can be set for a certain number of "breaths" per minute.

[sonja77]

good question! i didn't know the difference either!

when would you use one or the other?

[panamabrt]

CPAP is a constant flow and sometimes difficult to use b/c of the continuous flow in Inspiration and expiration. BiPAP gives a inhaled flow vs when having the exhale flow (which is usually less flow)

CPAP is being used for people with CHF more these days b/f intubation and for major sleep apnea. BiPAP just allows for easier adjustments...more user friendly.

[panamabrt]

ferrous sulphate is a higher iron content at 20% vs. gluconate which has an iron content of 11%...If I remember correctly

[jetscreamer101]

I understand that sometimes the Bi-pap is better tolerated because of the decrease in pressure during exhalation, not as hard to breathe out.

There is also a difference in C-paps, they can be a constant one that is always set at the same pressure or a variable one that can be set to like 9-13 and will vary the pressure based on need during sleep.