CPAP vs. BiPAP: Understanding the Differences for Sleep Apnea

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

* Delivers a constant level of air pressure to the lungs

* Used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

* Most common type of sleep apnea machine

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)

* Delivers two different levels of air pressure - one when you breathe in and one when you breathe out

* Used to treat OSA and central sleep apnea (CSA)

* More complex to use than CPAP machines

* May be more effective than CPAP for people with severe OSA or CSA

Summary:

CPAP is the most common type of sleep apnea machine. It delivers a constant level of air pressure to the lungs. BiPAP machines are more complex and deliver two different levels of air pressure - one when you breathe in and one when you breathe out. BiPAP machines may be more effective than CPAP for people with severe OSA or CSA.