Bilevel Treatment (also known as BiPAP or VPAP treatment) has traditionally been recommended for disorders which result in nocturnal hypoventilation (under breathing) with or without an obstructive component. Bilevel treatment is usually most effective in those patients who are retaining carbon dioxide rather than those with hypoxaemic respiratory failure alone. Patients are generally drawn from 4 main diagnostic groups:
- Those with a history of Neuromuscular disease such as Muscular dystrophy, Poliomyelitis, Diaphragm paralysis or motor-neurone disease.
- Chest wall deformity such as Kyphoscoliosis or Thoracoplasty.
- Control of breathing abnormalities such as Obesity hypoventilation, Central hypoventilation, stroke or to a lesser extent Lung disease such as Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiecstasis.
Normal breathing during sleep ensures the delivery of oxygen to the body while removing the build up of carbon dioxide. The air pressure delivered by a Bilevel machine is delivered at 2 'levels' - inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure. The machine has the capability of eliminating any obstructive component inhibiting the patients' breathing while augmenting each breath to assist in expelling unwanted carbon dioxide. If Bilevel treatment is recommended by your Respiratory and Sleep Specialist after your diagnostic sleep study or after your CPAP titration study, you will need to return to the sleep investigation unit for an overnight Bilevel titration study. During this study our highly trained staff will accurately determine the correct pressures to maintain your upper airway and support your ventilation during sleep.
Why use Bilevel?
Clinical studies have shown that the daily use of Bilevel for treatment of hypoventilation can provide relief of patient symptoms (usually exertional dyspnoea, morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness) and often leads to improvements in the following areas:
- Vitality and motivation
- Mood
- Concentration and memory
- Quality of life
- Quality of sleep
How can we help?
Bilevel treatment must be carefully managed by your Respiratory and Sleep Specialist in combination with an experienced equipment provider. Our qualified Sleep Health Centre CPAP Consultants are available for consultation 5 days a week in most locations. If you discover you are experiencing any problems at home with your mask or machine, do not hesitate to contact us for further advice and assistance on 1800 155 225 (freecall). Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5 pm or via our contact us page.
Please note that booked appointments with CPAP Consultants at our Sleep Health Centres are essential. Lengthy waiting times for those without appointments can and do occur.
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