BiPAP Machines
A bilevel machine, commonly called BiPAP, delivers two pressures: a higher one as you breathe in and a lower one as you breathe out. It is prescribed when exhaling against a single CPAP pressure is uncomfortable, or when your therapy needs are more involved.
Bilevel machines require a prescription that specifies both pressures. Upload yours at checkout, or talk to a licensed respiratory therapist at (954) 915-1683 if you want help matching a machine to what your doctor prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a CPAP and a BiPAP?
A CPAP delivers one steady pressure, or gently auto-adjusts around one. A BiPAP, short for bilevel, delivers two: a higher pressure when you breathe in and a lower one when you breathe out. That drop on the exhale makes it much easier to breathe out against the air, which is why BiPAP is often the answer when a CPAP pressure starts to feel like too much to push back against.
How do I know if I need a BiPAP?
Your doctor decides, usually for one of a few reasons: you're on a high CPAP pressure that's hard to exhale against, a standard CPAP hasn't controlled your apnea, or you have a condition like COPD or another breathing disorder that needs bilevel support. If you're simply finding CPAP uncomfortable, raise it with your doctor or with us first, because sometimes the fix is a pressure adjustment or a different mask, not a different machine.
Do I need a prescription for a BiPAP?
Yes, and it's a more specific one than a CPAP prescription. A bilevel script lists both pressures, the inhale and the exhale settings, so we need it to set the machine up correctly for you. Upload it at checkout or send it to us afterward.
Can I use my current CPAP mask with a BiPAP?
Yes, in almost every case. BiPAP machines use the same standard tubing and masks as a CPAP, so the mask you already wear will connect and work fine. The difference is in how the machine delivers pressure, not in the mask. If you're choosing your first mask alongside the machine, our fit quiz will help you find one.
Can I switch from my CPAP to a BiPAP myself?
No, that's a change your doctor makes. A BiPAP needs its own prescription with its own pressure settings, and those come from a sleep study or your doctor's assessment, not from adjusting your current machine. If CPAP isn't working for you, start with a conversation, with your doctor or with our RT, about why.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes, a BiPAP is an eligible expense, so you can use an HSA or FSA card. We don't bill insurance directly, so if you plan to submit for reimbursement, keep your prescription and our receipt for your plan.
What's the difference between a BiPAP and an ASV or AVAPS machine?
They're all bilevel at heart, but ASV and AVAPS add smarter automatic adjustments for more complex breathing patterns, like central sleep apnea or conditions where your breathing effort shifts through the night. These are always prescribed for a specific reason. If your prescription names one of them, mention it when you call and we'll source the exact type.