What Are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?

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

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.

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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.