23/11/2025
⭐ CPAP vs BiPAP
👉CPAP – C = Constant Pressure
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
✔ Key Points
• One single pressure (same for inhale & exhale)
• Keeps airway open by providing constant airflow
• Best for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Less helpful for patients with variable or weak breathing effort
• Cheaper, simpler, first-line for most sleep apnea cases
💡 Quick Clue
CPAP = Simple OSA + Constant Pressure
👉BiPAP – Bi = Two Pressures
BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure
✔ Key Points
• Two pressures:
• IPAP (higher pressure when inhaling)
• EPAP (lower pressure when exhaling → easier to breathe out)
• Helps when patients need extra ventilatory support
• Used in complex or severe respiratory disorders:
• Central sleep apnea (CSA)
• COPD
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Neuromuscular weakness (ALS, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy)
• Useful when CPAP fails or patient cannot tolerate constant pressure
💡 Quick Clue
BiPAP = Two pressures → easier exhalation → for complex cases
