What is the difference between BiPAP and CPAP?
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Hi, I have COPD and severe emphysema and sleep apnea, so I'm on oxygen 24 hours a day. I was wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between the two devices I use (NIV and CPAP)?
Beginning of the discussion - 9/26/20
What is the difference between BiPAP and CPAP? https://www.carenity.us/forum/sleep-apnea/living-with-osteoarthritis/what-is-the-difference-between-niv-and-cpap-2529What is niv
@breathe_easy what is niv
@Spiderswebs399 I think it's also called BiPAP
What's a bipap
@breathe_easy Hi breath-easy, thank you for opening this discussion. For those who may not already know, NIV (Non-Invasive Ventilation) is also sometimes referred to as "BiPAP". Let me tag a few other members who may be familiar with the difference between the two.
Hello members, how are you today? 
Do you uses a CPAP or BiPAP (NIV) device? Do you know what the difference is between the two? Do you prefer one over the other?
@Dllegg @Boom56 @Abc.com @Cecily @TexasBear @gangel @crays68 @EdgarJay @Demp4000 @parexcell3 @kingster @Joebryanjr @NonnieB @DVallas @benadam @Vickyd @ChrissyBob26 @Jaadair2
Feel free to share here!
Take care,
Courtney
I also use bipap. Bipap uses two different pressure settings - a higher one during inspiration, and a lower one during exhalation, making it easier to exhale. CPap uses the same pressure setting during both phases of respiration.
@Colleen4300 Thank you for giving us that great explanation Colleen. I'd heard there was a difference but I wasn't sure what it was. Sorry if this is a basic question, but is there a reason why one would be prescribed over the other? It seems like most people are prescribed CPAP, right? ????
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