BiPAP® and BiLevel Machines

BiPAP is short for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, also referred to as a Bilevel CPAP machine. BiPAP machines are similar to CPAP machines; however, BiPAP machines offer a greater level of breathing support. Much like a CPAP machine, a BiPAP or bilevel machine sends air into your mask via tubing. While CPAP provides a single, constant pressure, BiPAP uses two distinct pressure settings: one for inhaling and one for exhaling.

Related Reading: What's the difference between BiPAP vs CPAP?

Why Buy a BiPAP Machine?

While there’s some aspect of choice when deciding between APAP and CPAP, most people won’t truly be considering a BiPAP machine unless otherwise ordered by their healthcare provider. Here are a few reasons someone might choose a BiPAP machine:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
• Obstructive, Central, or Complex Sleep Apnea
• Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)
• Heavily Impaired Natural Breathing
• Pneumonia
• Poor Breathing Post-Operation

If breathing is always or almost always difficult for you, or if you have difficulty swallowing, a BiPAP may not work for you and your healthcare provider may need to recommend a more invasive form of ventilation.

Types of BiPAP Machines for Sale

There are many BiPAP machines that feature heated humidification, such as the ResMed AirCurve 10 and Luna G3 BiPAP. Other features that different bilevel machines will typically feature include:

• Climate Control
• Ramp Settings
• Whisper Quiet Operation
• Data Tracking
• Auto Start/Stop

When prescribing BiPAP therapy, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific BiPAP model or specific machine features they want your machine to have. While you may be able to find a cheaper and smaller BiPAP machine that's more budget-friendly, you'll usually be sacrificing some sort of data tracking or comfort feature that could make life much easier.

Related Reading: Best BiPAP Machines

Compact, travel BiPAP machines are few and far between, and while BiPAP machines are more expensive than CPAP machines on average, you'll want to make sure to choose a BiPAP machine that will do everything you need it to in favor of saving money. 

More Reasons to Shop at CPAP.com

Between doctor’s appointments, sleep studies, and dealing with your insurance, navigating the world of CPAP and BiPAP therapy can be overwhelming, which is exactly why we’re here to help! Our award-winning customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) at 1-800-356-5221 to answer any questions you may have during your therapy journey. 

Our comparison chart can help you decide on a mask when you’re ready for the next step and our free online forum is full of testimonials and useful tips and tricks from people who have been living with sleep apnea for years.