/ CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / What Are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?

What Are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?

Updated November 3, 2023

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Table of Contents

CPAP Machine Types
Which Type of PAP Machine Is Best for You?
Do You Need a Prescription for a CPAP Machine?
Frequently Asked Questions

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. People with OSA experience frequent breathing disruptions Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source while sleeping. This often leads to daytime sleepiness and other symptoms associated with poor sleep quality Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , like trouble concentrating and irritability.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. However, this approach does not work for everyone. Some people with OSA may find traditional CPAP treatment uncomfortable or may need a more customized approach.

Different types of CPAP machines can address the unique needs of individual sleepers. We discuss the types of CPAP machines, how they work, and who may benefit from using them.

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CPAP Machine Types

Positive airway pressure (PAP) is a noninvasive mechanical ventilation therapy. A PAP machine delivers pressurized air to open the airways of sleepers with OSA or other breathing conditions.

PAP setups usually consist of a mask, a hose, and a small tabletop unit that plugs into a wall outlet. The mask creates a seal over your nose and mouth or just your nose. The hose connects the mask to the PAP machine, which pressurizes and pumps air to the mask.

PAP machines measure pressure in centimeters of water (cm H2O). Different types of machine vary in their pressure levels, pressure adjustments, and size. Therapeutic CPAP pressure settings usually range from 4 to 20 cm H2O, though many people diagnosed with OSA are treated with 8 to 10 cm H2O Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

While CPAP is sometimes used as a catchall term, there are several types of PAP machines.

CPAP Machines

Continuous positive airway pressure is the most common type of PAP therapy. CPAP machines provide constant pressure to keep your upper airway open as you sleep. Some CPAP machines include a pressure relief setting to slightly lower the amount of pressure during exhalation.

APAP Machines

Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines, also referred to as auto-CPAP, can raise or lower the pressure based on your breathing patterns. This is often more comfortable for sleepers whose pressure needs change between sleep positions, or those who have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

BiPAP Machines

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) machines have two pressure settings, switching between a higher pressure as you inhale and a lower pressure as you exhale. BiPAP machines often have a wider pressure range, reaching up to 30 cm H2O Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source .

Travel CPAP Machines

Travel CPAP machines work like traditional CPAP machines but have a more portable design. These devices are usually small and lightweight. Some models are also FAA-approved and can be used in flight, though specific policies may vary by airline.

Key Differences Between PAP Machines

The biggest difference between PAP machines is their pressure settings. CPAP and travel CPAP machines administer a steady level of pressure. APAP machines automatically adjust their pressure output based on your breathing, and BiPAP machines have different settings for inhalation and exhalation.

Breakdown of PAP Machine Types

	Design Features	Benefits	Cost
CPAP	CPAP machines are designed to deliver a constant level of pressure to the airways while you sleep.	CPAP can be an effective treatment for people experiencing OSA. With a simple design, CPAP machines are also the most affordable type of PAP machine.	CPAP machines generally cost between $500 and $1,000. Traditional CPAP machines are usually the least expensive type of PAP device. However, models with more features tend to be more expensive.
APAP	APAP machines are more advanced than traditional CPAP devices. As you sleep, the machine can increase pressure when it senses a respiratory event.	APAP machines adjust the pressure based on your breathing patterns, which may be more comfortable for sleepers whose needs change throughout the night.	APAP machines typically range from $600 to $1,600. They are usually more expensive than traditional CPAP machines because they must detect and change pressure in response to the sleeper’s breathing.
BiPAP	A BiPAP machine can sense when you inhale and exhale to administer higher-pressure air as you breathe in.	BiPAP machines may be more comfortable at higher pressures than CPAP machines. BiPAP therapy is also used for people with more complex or severe breathing issues.	Because this is a more advanced type of PAP machine, it is also more expensive. BiPAP devices usually cost $1,700 to $3,000.
Travel CPAP	Travel CPAP machines have the same therapeutic benefits as regular CPAP devices. However, they are designed to be portable for easy travel use.	This style of CPAP device allows travelers to keep up with their PAP therapy while on the road.	Travel CPAP devices typically cost $450 to $1,200.

Which Type of PAP Machine Is Best for You?

A physician can help determine whether PAP therapy is right for you and decide which type of machine best suits your needs and condition. While CPAP therapy is often the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, APAP and BiPAP can be useful for those who have problems with traditional CPAP machines.

CPAP Machines

CPAP machines are the simplest, most affordable, and most widely available option for sleepers experiencing OSA symptoms. If you are on a budget or looking for the biggest selection of models and features, a traditional CPAP machine may be the best choice. Additionally, CPAP therapy is typically the first line of treatment for OSA. If you are newly diagnosed, your doctor will likely start you off with a CPAP machine and see how you respond.

APAP Machines

APAP machines are useful for those who have trouble sleeping with the constant pressure of a CPAP machine. They can also be effective for sleepers who experience regular changes in their breathing patterns, like allergy sufferers or those who change sleep positions frequently.

BiPAP Machines

BiPAP machines provide a more specialized form of PAP therapy. A doctor usually only prescribes BiPAP treatment for people with OSA if they do not respond to traditional CPAP therapy. BiPAP can also be effective for sleepers with other breathing-related conditions, such as central sleep apnea Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Travel CPAP Machines

A travel CPAP machine is a convenient solution for people with OSA who occasionally sleep away from home. Travel CPAP devices are small, lightweight, and easy to pack. While you may be able to take a traditional CPAP machine on your travels, their bulkier designs can be cumbersome.

Do You Need a Prescription for a CPAP Machine?

All PAP machines require a prescription from a physician. The Food and Drug Administration regulates them as Class II medical devices Trusted Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research. View Source . Consulting with a licensed medical professional is essential to ensuring that the therapy is safe and effective. Your doctor may also order an overnight titration study to determine the best pressure setting for you.

Will Medicare or Health Insurance Pay for a CPAP Machine?

Medicare and health insurance plans usually cover part of the cost of a CPAP machine. How much your plan covers may depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Medicare may cover a three-month trial period Trusted Source Medicare.gov Medicare.gov provides essential information about signing up for and using Medicare, which is health insurance for people 65 or older. View Source of CPAP therapy for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. After the trial, Medicare may continue coverage if you meet certain requirements and your doctor determines that CPAP treatment improves your symptoms. In addition to contributing to the cost of machine rental after you meet your Plan B deductible, Medicare also covers part of the cost for other CPAP supplies, like masks and tubing.

Other health insurance plans vary in their coverage and authorization requirements. Many cover a portion of the cost of a CPAP machine. Some providers consider your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a measure of OSA severity, when deciding the amount of coverage.

If you pay out of pocket for your CPAP equipment, you will need to submit a claim for reimbursement. Verify that your insurance covers out-of-pocket expenses before making a purchase. After your purchase, keep your receipt, complete the appropriate claims form, and submit the required documentation to your insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Buy a CPAP Machine?

To purchase a CPAP machine, get a prescription from your doctor and order the device through your insurance company, the manufacturer, or a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier.

While going through your insurance provider when buying a CPAP machine can simplify coverage, the insurance company may stipulate that you use a certain brand, which can limit your options. Also keep in mind that some insurance providers require that you rent a CPAP machine for a period of time before it is yours to keep.

Ordering directly from the CPAP manufacturer or through a third-party retailer gives you the most options. You can browse multiple brands and models with different features. However, buying direct generally requires paying out of pocket and submitting a reimbursement claim to your insurance company. In this scenario, you will still be subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance plan.

Do APAP and BiPAP Machines Require a Titration Study?

BiPAP machines usually require a titration study, but APAP machines may not. Overnight titration studies help your doctor determine the right level of pressure for your device by observing how much pressurized air is required to keep your airways open.

BiPAP machines use two different pressure settings, so a titration study is critical for determining what settings relieve your sleep apnea symptoms without disturbing your sleep. APAP machines can automatically adjust their pressure to the sleeper’s needs, so they may not require a titration study.

Are CPAP Accessories Interchangeable Between Machine Types?

Most CPAP accessories are interchangeable between different machine types and models, but it’s important to double-check compatibility.

The majority of CPAP masks are universally compatible, so they can work with almost any CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP machine. That said, there are a few exceptions. A few CPAP models only work with certain types of masks.

Standard 19-millimeter tubing is compatible with nearly all PAP masks and machine varieties. However, certain models can only be used with a slim 15-millimeter hose.

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Always consult your doctor before taking a new medication or changing your current treatment.

Written By

Jay Summer, Staff Writer

Jay Summer is a health content writer and editor. She holds a B.S. in psychology and master's degrees in writing and public policy.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Abhinav Singh, Sleep Medicine Physician MD

Dr. Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

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