When you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, one of the most common treatment recommendations is a machine that helps keep your airway open while you sleep. As you begin to explore your options, you might hear about CPAP and BiPAP therapy. While both are types of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, they function a bit differently.
What Is CPAP?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP machine uses a mask to deliver a steady stream of air into your airway while you sleep. This keeps the airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that disrupt sleep and affect your overall health.
Benefits of CPAP:
- Highly effective for treating OSA
- Reduces snoring and nighttime awakenings
- Improves oxygen levels and sleep quality
- Non-invasive and adjustable for comfort
At Sleep Dynamics, we provide comprehensive CPAP support — including diagnosis, mask fittings, education, and aftercare — to ensure you’re getting the most out of your therapy.
What is BiPAP?
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is a similar type of therapy that uses two pressure settings—one for inhaling and one for exhaling. It’s typically prescribed in more complex cases, or for people who cannot tolerate standard CPAP therapy due to certain health conditions like central sleep apnea or neuromuscular disorders.
Note: While BiPAP can be helpful for certain individuals, most cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be successfully managed with CPAP or alternative treatments, such as oral appliances.
Looking for a CPAP Alternative?
If you’ve tried CPAP and find it uncomfortable or difficult to use, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s another proven option: oral appliance therapy. These appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw to keep the airway open, helping you breathe easier throughout the night without the need for a machine.
Our Dental Sleep Medicine program offers custom-fitted oral appliances that are a great solution for CPAP-intolerant patients:
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Travel-friendly and quiet
- Effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Which Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Right for You?
Every patient is unique. The best treatment depends on the severity of your sleep apnea, your health history, and your personal preferences. At Sleep Dynamics, we perform thorough sleep evaluations and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and gets results.
Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated. Whether you’re ready to start CPAP therapy or interested in exploring oral appliances, our experts are here to help.
