BiPAP vs. CPAP | What’s the Difference?

BiPAP vs. CPAP

One of the most confusing parts about sleep apnea is knowing all the different types of products and how they differ from each other. In particular, one of the biggest challenges is understanding the difference between a BiPAP and a CPAP machine.

To help with that, we’ll be going over the biggest differences between these two types of devices and the treatment they give!

What is a BiPAP?

First, BiPAP stands for Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure, and it is a relatively common device used to treat sleep apnea.  

Here are some of the key characteristics of BiPAP machines:

1. Bi-Level: Basically, these machines deliver two different pressure levels throughout the night.  The first pressure will be delivered when you are inhaling, helping to keep your airways open and prevent apneas. On the other hand, the second pressure will be delivered when you are exhaling, making it easier to breathe while sleeping.

2. Higher Pressure Setting: BiPAPs do have a similar pressure range to CPAPs, but the key difference is that they can reach higher pressure levels. These machines are able to deliver up to 25 cm H20 while CPAPs can only reach 20 cm H20.

3. Treat More Severe Sleep Apnea: Overall, BiPAPs tend to be used to treat mild to severe cases of sleep apnea. This includes the treatment of severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and complex apnea.

What BiPAP Machines Can I Buy?

Overall, there are two popular options for BiPAP currently available.

For the AirCurve 10, Easy Breathe currently has an offer to purchase the machine for only $299 down.

What is a CPAP?

CPAP devices are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines and are commonly confused with APAPs (Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure devices), which are more widely used than CPAPs.

Below we’ll explain the key differences between APAPs and CPAPs so you can better tell them apart. The main benefits of APAPs include:

1. Auto-Titrating: APAPs will automatically adjust to the pressure level you need throughout the night. This means the device has the ability to detect your changing needs on a breath by breath basis.

2. No More Sleep Studies: APAPs will automatically adjust to any changes in your weight, lifestyle, etc., so you’re constantly getting the right pressure. Therefore, you won’t need to have recurring sleep studies to check your pressure levels.

3. Advanced Features: APAP machines also come with more advanced features which decrease the pressure level upon exhale (EPR), wait to increase the pressure until after you’re asleep, and more!

On the other hand, CPAPs only have the following features:

1. Constant Pressure: CPAPs provide a single, constant pressure throughout the night (regardless of whether you are inhaling or exhaling) and this pressure is determined based on your sleep study.

2. Cost Effective: Compared to BiPAPs and APAPs, CPAPs cost the least of all of the options to treat sleep apnea, so many people start with this machine.

3. Treats Mild Cases of Sleep Apnea: Overall, CPAPs are more limited in their ability to adjust to patient needs and pressure ranges, so it’s primarily used to treat milder cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What CPAPs/APAPs Can I Buy?

The most popular machines that we sell are APAPs. It’s important to note that all of our APAPs can still be set to a single pressure, giving them the same functionality of a CPAP, if that’s what your prescription states. Here are the most commonly purchased options:

Are There Any Promotional Deals?

Yes! For BiPAPs, you can get ResMed’s AirCurve 10 for only $299 down.  For CPAPs/APAPs, we have an offer currently to get the AirSense 10 for only $99 down!

What If I Still Have Questions About BiPAPs, APAPs, and CPAPs?

If you still have questions or would like more information, just give us a call at (866) 564-2252 or visit easybreathe.com to chat in, and one of our representatives would be more than happy to help!

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