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CPAP vs BiPAP: Which One Do You Need?
If you just got your sleep study back — or you’re staring at a page of machines online — the letters can blur together. CPAP, APAP, BiPAP. They look similar, the prices are all over the place, and nobody really slows down to tell you which one you actually need. That’s what this guide is for. We help patients, caregivers, and families sort this out every day, and the good news is the decision is usually simpler than it looks.
In short: A CPAP delivers one steady pressure all night. An APAP is a CPAP that auto-adjusts its pressure as you breathe. A BiPAP uses two pressures — higher when you inhale, lower when you exhale — for people who need higher settings or find exhaling against CPAP uncomfortable. Most sleep apnea patients start on CPAP or APAP; BiPAP is prescribed when a doctor decides you need it. Your prescription decides the therapy type — then you choose the machine. At American Oxygen, genuine CPAP/APAP machines start at US$315 (Certified Pre-Owned) and BiPAP machines start at US$799, with no insurance required.
What is a CPAP machine?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It sends one constant, steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway from collapsing while you sleep. The pressure is set to a single number (prescribed for you) and stays there all night. CPAP is the most common starting point for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea because it’s simple, proven, and affordable.
Best for: steady, single-pressure therapy where one prescribed setting works well. Not ideal for: people who need very high pressures or struggle to exhale against constant pressure.
What is an APAP machine? (auto-adjusting CPAP)
APAP stands for Automatic Positive Airway Pressure. It’s still CPAP therapy, but instead of one fixed number, the machine adjusts pressure automatically within a prescribed range — nudging it up when it senses an event and easing off when you don’t need it. Many popular “AutoSet” machines are APAP. For a lot of people it feels gentler because you’re not getting full pressure when you don’t need it.
Best for: people whose pressure needs change through the night or by position/season. Not ideal for: anyone whose prescription specifically calls for a fixed CPAP or a bilevel machine.
What is a BiPAP machine? (two pressures)
BiPAP (also written BiLevel or BPAP) uses two pressures: a higher one when you breathe in (IPAP) and a lower one when you breathe out (EPAP). That drop on exhale makes it much easier to breathe out against, which is why BiPAP is used when someone needs higher pressures, has trouble tolerating CPAP, or has a condition where a doctor prescribes bilevel therapy. BiPAP machines are more advanced, so they cost more.
Best for: higher-pressure needs, exhale discomfort on CPAP, or a specific bilevel prescription. Not ideal for: simple sleep apnea that a standard CPAP already controls well — you’d be paying for capability you don’t need.
New to sleep therapy? Our beginner’s guide explains how CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP actually work in plain language.
CPAP vs APAP vs BiPAP — side by side
| CPAP | APAP (Auto CPAP) | BiPAP (BiLevel) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | One fixed pressure all night | Auto-adjusts within a set range | Two pressures: higher in, lower out |
| Exhale comfort | Constant pressure on exhale | Eases off when not needed | Easiest — pressure drops to exhale |
| Typically for | Straightforward sleep apnea | Changing pressure needs | Higher pressures / exhale intolerance |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| At American Oxygen, from | US$359 (Certified Pre-Owned) | US$315 (Certified Pre-Owned) | US$799 (Certified Pre-Owned) |
Prices are current genuine-equipment prices at American Oxygen and can change with availability. New models are also available.
When each one is the right choice
- Choose CPAP if your prescription lists a single fixed pressure and standard therapy controls your apnea comfortably.
- Choose APAP if your prescription gives a pressure range, or you want a machine that adapts night to night.
- Choose BiPAP if your doctor prescribed bilevel therapy, you need higher pressures, or you simply can’t tolerate exhaling against a CPAP.
- Traveling a lot? The therapy type still comes first, but size matters too — see our best travel CPAP machines.
Your prescription decides — here’s how to read it
This is the part that removes the guesswork: you don’t have to diagnose yourself. Your sleep physician’s prescription already states the therapy type (CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP) and the pressure(s). Your job — and ours — is simply to match the right genuine machine to what’s written. If your script says “APAP 5–15,” you buy an auto machine set to that range. If it says “BiPAP” with IPAP/EPAP numbers, you buy a bilevel machine.
We don’t provide medical advice or change your therapy — but our team in Doral, FL helps customers read a prescription against the right equipment every day, in English and Spanish. Not sure a machine matches your script? Call us at (786) 755-8063 before you buy.
Once you know the type, how do you pick the actual machine?
Three practical levers:
- New vs Certified Pre-Owned vs Open Box. Certified Pre-Owned machines are fully tested, reset, and sold at a big discount with a warranty by American Oxygen. New machines carry the manufacturer warranty. Both are genuine equipment — see how refurbished CPAP & BiPAP works.
- Brand and line. Popular CPAP/APAP machines include the AirSense series and the Philips DreamStation 2. For a genuine machine we carry as an authorized React Health dealer, the React Health Luna G3 Auto CPAP is a strong value at US$754. On the bilevel side, the AirCurve line is the workhorse.
- Comfort features. Heated humidification, climate-controlled tubing, and quiet operation matter more for daily use than spec-sheet bragging rights.
Once you’ve chosen your machine, the mask matters just as much — see our guide to CPAP mask types.
Where to buy genuine CPAP and BiPAP machines (no insurance needed)
American Oxygen is a cash-pay respiratory equipment supplier — you can buy genuine machines directly, with nationwide U.S. shipping and pickup at our Doral, FL showroom. No insurance, no runaround.
- Browse CPAP & APAP: Shop all CPAP machines — including the AirSense 10 (Certified Pre-Owned) at US$359, the DreamStation 2 (Certified Pre-Owned) at US$315, and the AirSense 11 AutoSet at US$795.
- Browse BiPAP: Shop all BiPAP machines — including the AirCurve 10 VAuto (Certified Pre-Owned) at US$799, the AirCurve 11 VAuto at US$1,185, and the React Health Luna G3 BiLevel.
- Start at the hub: our full sleep therapy guide and shop lays out picks from value to premium.
- Already own a machine that’s acting up? Don’t replace it before you check — our Repair Center can help you decide between repair, replacement, or an upgrade.
Why buy from American Oxygen: genuine equipment only, honest new / Open Box / Certified Pre-Owned options, bilingual English & Spanish support, a real showroom in Doral, FL, and nationwide shipping (free over US$99). Our CPAP/BiPAP customers rate us 4.8★. Certified Pre-Owned machines include a warranty by American Oxygen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CPAP and BiPAP?
A CPAP delivers one continuous pressure all night. A BiPAP delivers two pressures — a higher one when you inhale and a lower one when you exhale — which makes it easier to breathe out and lets it deliver higher pressures. CPAP is the common starting point; BiPAP is used when a doctor prescribes bilevel therapy.
Is BiPAP better than CPAP?
Neither is “better” — they solve different needs. BiPAP is more capable (and more expensive), but if a standard CPAP controls your apnea comfortably, BiPAP is capability you don’t need. The right one is whatever your prescription calls for.
Do I need CPAP or BiPAP for sleep apnea?
Most people with obstructive sleep apnea are prescribed CPAP or APAP. BiPAP is prescribed when higher pressures are needed or CPAP isn’t tolerated. Your sleep physician’s prescription states which one — we help you match a genuine machine to it.
What is APAP, and is it the same as CPAP?
APAP is auto-adjusting CPAP therapy. It’s the same category as CPAP, but instead of one fixed pressure it adapts within a prescribed range. Many “AutoSet” machines are APAP.
Can I switch from CPAP to BiPAP on my own?
No — the therapy type and pressures are set by your prescription. If CPAP is uncomfortable, talk to your doctor; they can re-evaluate and prescribe BiPAP if appropriate. We can then match the right machine.
Do I need a prescription to buy a CPAP or BiPAP?
Yes. CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines require a valid prescription. You do not need insurance to buy one — American Oxygen is a cash-pay supplier. Accessories like masks, tubing, filters, and cushions are sold without a prescription.
How much does a CPAP or BiPAP machine cost without insurance?
At American Oxygen, Certified Pre-Owned CPAP/APAP machines start at US$315 and genuine BiPAP machines start at US$799, with new models also available. No insurance is required, and shipping is free over US$99.
Can I buy a genuine CPAP or BiPAP online and still get support?
Yes. We ship genuine equipment nationwide and back it with bilingual phone support and a real showroom in Doral, FL. Call (786) 755-8063 before you buy if you want help matching a machine to your prescription.
Still not sure which one fits your prescription? Call American Oxygen at (786) 755-8063 or start with our sleep therapy hub. We’ll help you buy the right genuine machine — no insurance, no pressure.