BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is similar to CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure). Your sleep/respiratory clinician or the Intus Healthcare sleep test/sleep study will prescribe which therapy and machine you will need.
BiPAP machines have two pressure setting. One pressure setting for inhalation (IPAP), and the second, a lower pressure setting for exhalation (EPAP).
The difference in inhalation and exhalation pressures reduces the work of breathing and allows the person to have a more restful sleep. These are some reasons BiPAP machines are sometimes used as a treatment method when CPAP has failed to treat their sleep-disordered breathing adequately.
Like CPAP, the BiPAP machine also increases the pressure when you inhale to keep the airways in the nose and throat from closing while you are sleeping and provide a lower pressure during exhalation that continues to maintain an open airway.
If you have OSA but without any other respiratory, cardiac or other severe health conditions, then CPAP would be the best form of treatment for you.
People with nerve and muscle problems may better benefit from the BiPAP machine rather than the CPAP machine. BiPAP machines can make sure users breathe a set number of times per minute.
If you think you may require BiPAP, then you should discuss this with your sleep or respiratory clinician first. Appropriate testing is essential to determine what treatment method would suit your needs better and what settings are appropriate for you.