CPAP vs BiPAP: What's the Difference?

If you've just been prescribed a CPAP or BiPAP machine, the acronyms alone can be confusing. Both are used to treat breathing disorders during sleep, but the way they deliver air is different.

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. As the name suggests, it delivers one constant pressure throughout your breathing cycle — the same pressure whether you're breathing in or out. This constant pressure keeps your airway from collapsing, which is the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea for most patients.

BiPAP stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. It delivers two different pressures: a higher one when you inhale (IPAP) and a lower one when you exhale (EPAP). This makes exhaling feel more natural and less like breathing against resistance.

Who typically uses which? CPAP is usually the first line of treatment for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea. BiPAP is often prescribed for patients who find it hard to exhale against a single fixed pressure, or for those with more complex respiratory needs, including certain neuromuscular conditions.

Neither device is 'better' in general — the right one depends entirely on what your physician has assessed for your specific breathing pattern. What matters most is a good mask fit, a comfortable pressure setting, and consistent nightly use.

If you're unsure which category your prescription falls into, bring your prescription details to our team and we'll help match you with the right device from our CPAP & BiPAP range, along with a rental option if you'd like to try before committing to a purchase.