There are 3 main types of machines used to treat sleep apnea and all of them are usually called CPAP machines, but some are actually APAP or bi-level machines.
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine delivers continuous airflow to a person's upper airway during sleep to keep the airway open and enable him/her to sleep well.
- APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machine is similar to a CPAP machine but it automatically changes the pressure in response to the person's needs, which can make the therapy process more comfortable.
- Bi-level machine delivers a different pressure for breathing in to the one used for breathing out. This type of sleep apnea machine is usually intended for people who need higher pressure.
Bi-level ST machine is mainly designed to enhance the breathing of patients with restrictive lung disease, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory diseases that affect breathing.
