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CPAP and BiPAP - sm

Posted: Nov 07, 2009

This doctor seems to use the terms CPAP and BiPAP almost interchangeably for the same patients. I assumed this was just a mistake on his part, but now he mentions them both in one sentence. Can both CPAP and BiPAP be used at the same time? Thanks.

example(s) please - je suis MT

[ In Reply To ..]
As you probably already know, in CPAP, the "C" is for "continuous", meaning the device delivers air at a fixed pressure.

In BiPAP, the "Bi" is for "bilevel", wherein the machine delivers air (measured in cmH2O) at one pressure during inspiration, and the pressure drops during exhalation.

Bottom line, the terms themselves are not interchangeable. However, there may be delivery devices that can work in either mode.

Alternatively, if the physician is dictating a therapeutic study, both modalities may have been used for treatment.

Can you give examples of the dicatation?

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