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There are three main types of positive airway pressure therapy. All three types of machines treat the symptoms of sleep apnea using pressurized air to keep airways open during sleep. The difference lies in how they deliver pressure into airways and their level of adjustability. Determining which one is right for you depends on your specific condition and your doctor’s recommendation.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP machines provide a continuous flow of air that pushes into your upper airway and lungs through a mask that covers your nose, mouth, or both. This pressure helps hold your airway open, keeping it from narrowing or collapsing, which prevents effective breathing during sleep.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

APAP machine automatically adjusts positive airway pressure, it uses special technology to identify when a person snores or begins to experience a breathing disruption. Once it detects a change in breathing, the machine increases the air pressure to help keep the airway open. Similarly, the machine decreases the rate of pressure when it detects that a higher rate is no longer needed.

Bilevel, or Variable Positive Airway Pressure

(BiPAP/VPAP)

BiPAP machines can be set to different pressures for inhalation and exhalation. This can make it easier to breathe out against the incoming air and can be particularly helpful for people with certain conditions. This added capability makes BiPAP machines more expensive. BiPAP is generally used for more complex or advanced sleep apnea treatments, including cases involving higher-pressure settings, combined central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Yes, a prescription is required. It must include the specific pressure settings recommended by your physician, based on your sleep study. These settings are programmed into the machine before shipping to ensure it’s tailored to your needs. What are BiPAP settings?
BiPAP machines use two pressure levels:

IPAP(Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure): Higher pressure when you inhale.

EPAP(Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure): Lower pressure when you exhale.

Your doctor determines these settings to provide the right level of support for your breathing.

A normal number is fewer than 5 events per hour, measured by something called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). This number reflects how many times per hour you either stop breathing (apnea) or have shallow breathing (hypopnea) during sleep.

Sleep apnea severity is typically classified by AHI as follows:

Mild: 5–15 events per hour

Moderate: 15–30 events per hour

Severe: 30 or more events per hour

If your AHI stays above 5 while using BiPAP, or you still feel tired during the day, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor. They may want to adjust your therapy or check for other issues like mask leaks or improper settings.

A BiPAP machine improves sleep by supporting more natural, comfortable breathing. It delivers two distinct pressure levels—higher when you inhale (IPAP) and lower when you exhale (EPAP)—which makes it easier to breathe and keeps your airway open all night. This helps reduce sleep disruptions caused by apneas (breathing pauses) and hypopneas (shallow breathing).

Compared to APAP (Auto-Adjusting CPAP), BiPAP is often recommended for people who:

• Need higher pressure settings that are difficult to tolerate on a single-pressure machine
• Have central or complex sleep apnea, not just obstructive
• Struggle with exhaling against pressure on APAP or CPAP
• Have other breathing conditions like COPD, neuromuscular disorders, or obesity hypoventilation syndrome

By improving oxygen levels, reducing breathing effort, and supporting uninterrupted sleep, BiPAP can help you wake up feeling more rested, alert, and energized.

Masks are universally designed to fit all CPAP and BiPAP machines, regardless of the manufacturer. Most masks use a standard 22mm connector, ensuring they work with any machine that features a similar connection. This makes it easy to find a mask that suits your comfort and therapy needs, no matter the brand of your BiPAP machine.

Yes, you can travel with your BiPAP machine! It's important to remember not to take any days off from your therapy, as consistent use is key to managing your sleep apnea. All machines displayed on our website are designed to operate worldwide. The universal power supply is rated from 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, and can be used without a voltage converter. However, an international plug adaptor may be required to make your power cord compatible with the power outlets in the country you're visiting. Be sure to pack your machine and accessories in a protective case and consider carrying a backup power source for added convenience.

Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing BiPAP accessories helps maintain the effectiveness of your therapy and ensures a hygienic sleep environment. Here are the general replacement recommendations:

• Complete Mask System: Every 6-12 months
• Silicone Mask Cushions (full face, nasal, and nasal pillows): Every 3-6 months
• Memory Foam Mask Cushions: Every month
• Humidifier Water Tub: Every 6-12 months
• Filters: Every month
• Tubing: Every 3-6 months

It’s important to regularly inspect your accessories for signs of wear and tear, and replace them as needed. Regular maintenance helps optimize your therapy and prolongs the life of your BiPAP machine.