Patient Education Living Well with COPD Booklet | Page 18

BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure)
has a higher pressure when you breathe
in and a lower pressure when you
breathe out. BiPAP helps to decrease
CO 2 (carbon dioxide) and the feeling of
not being able to get enough air. This
reduces the strain on your breathing
muscles.
Positive Airway Pressure
(PAP)
PAP treatment uses a machine to pump
air under pressure into the airway of
the lungs. This helps keep the windpipe
open. The forced air pressure prevents
episodes of airway collapse that block
the breathing of people with sleep apnea
and other breathing problems. It is often
prescribed for people with COPD to
help with nighttime breathing. It can also
be prescribed for shortness of breath in
advanced COPD and to help prevent
hospitalization.
You will be fi tted for a mask and taught
how to use your machine. It may take
some time to get adjusted to it, but most
people report feeling much better during
the daytime. When worn regularly, you
may notice:
• Feeling more alert and less sleepy
during the day
Your healthcare provider will order the
type of PAP machine that will work best
for you:
• Having better concentration and
memory
CPAP (continuous positive airway
pressure) provides a gentle and steady
pressure of air in your airway to keep it
open.
• Being in a better mood with less
anxiety and depression
17