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Figure 1.6 CPAP treatment of sleep apnea[20]<br />

B. Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP)<br />

Bi-PAP was introduced into use in the 1990s. A problem with CPAP is that the patient<br />

has to exhale against the extra pressure. However, with Bi-PAP, pressure can be set at a<br />

higher level for inhalation and lower for exhalation. This is helpful for the patient’s<br />

exhalation and makes it easier for compliance. Bi-PAP is more expensive than CPAP<br />

[21].<br />

C. A-PAP<br />

The Auto-adjustable-CPAP or Automatic-CPAP [22] prototype was firstly developed in<br />

the early 1990s [23]. When in use, it is firstly set to a low pressure level which reduces<br />

the extra pressure comparing to CPAP. There is a sensor in the APAP. Once the sensor<br />

detected a “specific pressure characteristics of air” which indicates an obstruction is<br />

happening, the machine will automatically raise the pressure to keep the patient’s upper<br />

airway open. When obstruction is absent, the pressure drops gradually to the minimum<br />

pressure. This keeps the overall average pressure much lower than traditional CPAP and<br />

makes the patient more comfortable [24].<br />

6

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