Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airways are blocked during sleep. It causes a person to stop breathing or inhaling inefficiently in his sleep, which can lead to a host of other health problems, such as heart disease. Continuous positive pressure, or CPAP, machines provide a constant breath of air throughout the breath cycle to keep the airways open that. A Bipap machine does the same thing but provides a different air pressure when exhaling. These machines take a long time to get used to, but anyone can learn to put them in place and use them.
Instructions
• Place the unit on a hard, flat surface that is free of obstacles such as curtains or blankets. Protect the unit from air conditioners and heaters that can affect how it provides air to the patient. Connect the hose to the large air outlet of the appliance.
• Place the sleep mask on your face correctly. It should be fine, but should not be tight enough to leave a sore. All straps should be pulled at equal tension around the face and head. Connect the hose to the mask.
• Put the Bipap unit. Adjust the mask straps until there is minimal air leakage from which the contacts mask the skin. Make sure air does not escape into the eyes. Place the hose so that it flows freely and does not bend or bend. He should also be away when repositioning in the bed.
• Find a comfortable sleeping position. Breathe deeply through the nose and try to relax. If the machine has a ramp function, be sure to use it to start with a lower amount of pressure for the first twenty minutes of sleep. Relaxation and consistent use are essential to get used to using a Bipap machine.
The BiPap machine
It would help if you familiarized yourself with the parts of your BiPap machine. They are the following:
- A facial mask, a nasal mask or nasal plugs
- The engine of the machine, which blows air inside a tube
- The tube that connects the engine of the machine to the mask or the plugs
Your BiPap machine may also have other features, such as a heated humidifier.
Before starting your BiPAP therapy, you must calibrate your machine. One of the members of your healthcare team will adjust the settings. Often, that person will be a specialized breathing therapist. The configuration must be correct so that you can receive the appropriate therapy. You may also be given other instructions on how to prepare for your BiPAP therapy.
When to use your BiPAP
You may receive BiPap therapy while you are in the hospital because of a respiratory emergency. You may also use it at home to treat a chronic condition. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when to use your BiPap machine. I would need it only while sleeping. Or you may need to use it all the time. Be sure to use it exactly as instructed. Otherwise, you will not get all the benefits your BiPAP therapy might give you.
How to get used to your BiPAP
When you start using your BiPap, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. You may find it strange to wear a mask and feel the airflow. Over time, you should get used to it. If you think you really can not breathe while using the BiPap machine, talk to your healthcare provider. You may have to change the pressure settings of your device.
You mustn’t eat or drink anything while using your BiPap. You may inhale food or liquids in your lungs if you do so. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions about the best way to use your machine.
If your health problem improves, you may be able to start using less pressure on your BiPap machine. Or you could use the machine less often. Work with your health care team to get the best treatment.
| BiPAP device settings are expressed in centimeters of water, or cm / H2O. The pressure settings for each person are different. Your healthcare provider will tell you what adjustments you should use. Never change the pressure settings of your BiPap unless your provider tells you to do so. BiPap: ____________ cm / H20 pressure when inspiring BiPap: ____________ cm / H20 pressure at expiration |
How to correct problems with your BiPap
- Nasal dryness A humidifier can help reduce the dryness in your nose.
- Symptoms in the eyes or sinuses. Wearing a face mask instead of a nasal mask can help reduce symptoms in the eyes or sinuses.
- Headaches. If you have a headache, it could be due to the congestion of the sinuses. In some cases, your healthcare provider may tell you to use an antihistamine for these symptoms.
- Leaky mask, skin irritation, or pressure lines. You may need another type or another size of the mask. It may also help to adjust the straps around your mask.
- Stomach distension Your healthcare provider may reduce the pressure setting in your machine so that your stomach stops relaxing.
Noise. If the noise of the BiPap machine bothers you, try using earplugs. If the device is very noisy, consult the medical equipment supplier to see if it is working correctly.
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