What is a BiPAP machine?

Both a BiPAP machine and a CPAP machine are ordered for patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA).The difference between a CPAP versus a BiPAP is that the CPAP machine provides one constant pressure to keep the airway open. The BiPAP machine has two levels of pressure. One pressure setting is for when the patient inhales and one pressure for the patient when they exhale.


The different pressure settings assist patients that have trouble exhaling against the pressure of the setting for inhaling and when the patient exhales the pressure decreases so that the patient can exhale against a lesser pressure. This maintains patient comfort and provides an open airway.


The mask and accessories for the BiPAP are the same as for the CPAP.