CPAP vs BiPAP: What’s the Difference?
If you or a loved one has been advised to use a breathing-support machine at home, the terms CPAP and BiPAP come up quickly. They sound similar and look alike, but they do slightly different jobs.
What is CPAP?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It delivers one steady, continuous stream of air pressure through a mask, acting like a gentle “air splint” that keeps the airway from collapsing. It is the most common therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea.
What is BiPAP?
BiPAP stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. Instead of one constant pressure, it provides two: a higher pressure when you breathe in and a lower one when you breathe out. That makes exhaling easier and gives more breathing support.
Which one is used when?
- CPAP — typically the first choice for straightforward obstructive sleep apnoea.
- BiPAP — often used when higher pressures are needed, when CPAP feels hard to exhale against, or for certain breathing and lung conditions.
- The right choice is always decided by a doctor, usually after a sleep study or assessment.
Rent or buy for home use
Both machines can be used comfortably at home with the right setup. Renting suits short-term recovery, trials or post-discharge support; buying makes sense for confirmed, long-term therapy. Either way, delivery, mask fitting and servicing make the transition easier.
This article is general information, not medical advice. The machine, mask and pressure settings that are right for you should be prescribed and fitted by a qualified clinician.
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