Sleep apnea is a condition that causes difficulty breathing during sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re probably facing an important choice: what kind of sleep apnea machine are you going to trust with your treatment?

The two main types are CPAP machines and BiPAP machines. In this article we’ll compare and contrast the two so you can make an educated decision about which treatment option is best for you.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP machines are the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The name is abbreviated from continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP machines are designed to keep your airway clear and open while you sleep by pushing a constant flow of air through your airways through a facemask. The pressure of this air can be adjusted based on your individual needs. These machines usually deliver air through a facemask and are designed to prevent apneas and snoring. CPAP devices are usually used at the start of treatment and replaced with other methods if they don’t work out.

What is a BiPAP Machine?

Therapy with a BiPAP machine is largely similar, with some key difference. BiPAP is short for bilevel positive airway pressure because the machine relies on two alternating pressure levels to work. With a BiPAP machine, you breath out against a slightly lower pressure and breathe in with a slightly higher pressure. BiPAP is more commonly used to treat central sleep apnea, which is when a patient stops breathing periodically when the airway isn’t obstructed. BiPAP is often considered more tolerable than CPAP machines since it’s easier to breathe out.

If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, that’s okay. Talk to your doctor or sleep specialist; they’ll usually be able to determine the best course of action after a sleep study and assessment.