If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, chances are your provider has recommended either CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. While the machines look similar, the way they deliver air pressure and the supplies they require are different. Understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions about your therapy and ensure you have the right replacement parts to stay on track.
CPAP Therapy in a Nutshell
How it works: A CPAP machine delivers a constant, steady stream of air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Typical supplies include:
- Mask (nasal, nasal pillow, or full-face)
- Headgear & mask cushions (replaced every 1–3 months)
- Tubing (standard or heated, replaced every 6 months)
- Filters (replaced every 2–4 weeks)
- Water chamber for the humidifier (replaced every 6–12 months)
Best for: Most patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who need a consistent pressure setting.
BiPAP Therapy in a Nutshell
How it works: A BiPAP machine provides two pressure levels:
- A higher pressure when you inhale (IPAP).
- A lower pressure when you exhale (EPAP).
This makes exhaling easier and more comfortable for certain patients.
Typical supplies include:
- BiPAP-compatible mask (often full-face, but can also be nasal or hybrid)
- Headgear & cushions (similar replacement schedule as CPAP)
- Tubing (standard or heated; BiPAP often requires heated tubing for higher pressures)
- Filters (changed every 2–4 weeks)
- Humidifier water chamber (every 6–12 months)
Best for:
- Patients with complex sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.
- Patients who need higher pressure settings than CPAP can deliver comfortably.
- People with certain respiratory conditions like COPD or obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Key Differences Between CPAP and BiPAP Supplies
1. Mask Compatibility
- Both therapies use similar mask styles, but BiPAP users often prefer full-face masks to handle higher pressures.
2. Tubing
- CPAP can usually function with standard tubing.
- BiPAP patients often benefit from heated tubing to reduce dryness and condensation at higher pressures.
3. Filters
- Both use disposable filters, but BiPAP machines may require more frequent changes depending on usage and airflow settings.
4. Humidifier Chambers
- Both therapies include humidification, but BiPAP users at higher pressures may notice water chambers need closer monitoring and timely replacement.
Signs You May Need BiPAP Instead of CPAP
- You feel air pressure is too strong when exhaling on CPAP.
- Your doctor diagnoses you with central sleep apnea or another condition requiring variable pressure support.
- You continue to feel fatigued despite consistent CPAP use.
- You’ve been prescribed pressures higher than 15 cm H₂O, which can be uncomfortable with CPAP.
Important: Only a sleep specialist can prescribe BiPAP therapy. If CPAP isn’t working for you, talk with your provider about whether BiPAP is appropriate.
Supplies Replacement Schedule (CPAP & BiPAP)
- Mask cushion or pillows – every 1–3 months
- Mask frame/headgear – every 6–12 months
- Filters – every 2–4 weeks (disposable) or 6 months (reusable)
- Tubing – every 6 months
- Water chamber – every 6–12 months
Following this schedule ensures cleaner therapy, fewer infections, and more reliable equipment performance.
Both CPAP and BiPAP therapies help patients sleep better and breathe easier, but the type of machine you use impacts the supplies you’ll need. While CPAP works for most people with obstructive sleep apnea, BiPAP offers greater comfort and flexibility for patients with complex needs or higher pressure requirements.
At Alpine Home Medical’s Utah and Idaho locations, we carry a full line of CPAP and BiPAP supplies, and our specialists can help you understand which replacements you need to keep your therapy running smoothly.
The Importance of Talking to Your Doctor About CPAP vs. BiPAP
While online resources can help you understand the differences between CPAP and BiPAP, the final decision should always be made with your doctor or sleep specialist. Sleep Apnea treatment is highly individualized; what works for one patient may not work for another.
Your doctor will:
- Review your sleep study results to determine whether CPAP or BiPAP is appropriate.
- Consider other medical conditions (like COPD, heart failure, or central sleep apnea) that may influence your therapy needs.
- Prescribe the correct pressure settings for your machine.
- Help you adjust if you’re struggling with comfort, air leaks, or continued symptoms.
- Ensure your therapy is covered properly by insurance or Medicare.
Key takeaway: Never switch from CPAP to BiPAP (or vice versa) without medical guidance. Using the wrong machine or pressure settings can reduce therapy effectiveness and may even worsen your condition.
Most Common Questions From Our Customers
Can I use FSA or HSA funds for home medical equipment?
Yes! Most Alpine Home Medical products qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines.
What if my FSA/HSA card doesn’t work at checkout?
Some plans require documentation or manual reimbursement. Save your Alpine receipt and contact your HR or plan administrator.
Do I need a prescription?
Some items (like CPAP machines or certain mobility aids) require a doctor’s order. Check with your provider or HR department.
Can I buy online and still use my benefits?
Yes — Alpine Home Medical accepts FSA/HSA cards online and in-store.
