What is a common reason why a person would need a CPAP or BiPAP?

A common reason why a person would need a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine is due to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This occurs when the airway becomes obstructed or collapses, resulting in insufficient airflow to the lungs and subsequent drops in blood oxygen levels.

CPAP and BiPAP machines are designed to provide continuous or varying levels of airflow to help keep the airway open during sleep. CPAP delivers a constant stream of air to maintain airway patency, whereas BiPAP can adjust the pressure settings for inhalation and exhalation, which can be particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty with a continuous airflow or who may require a higher level of support.

Conditions like liver disease, osteoarthritis, and drug overdose may have various medical treatments, but they are not primary indications for the use of CPAP or BiPAP, which are specifically geared toward addressing respiratory issues, especially those associated with sleep disorders like sleep apnea.