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BiPAP/Bilevel Therapy
BiPAP/Bilevel Therapy: Understanding Your Equipment and Support
Bilevel therapy provides different prescribed pressure levels when you breathe in and breathe out. Learn how the equipment works, what to expect during setup and where to find ongoing support.
Already received your equipment? Review setup appointment guidance or follow-up support.
Bilevel Therapy at a Glance
What Makes Bilevel Therapy Different?
- Higher prescribed pressure during inhalation
- Lower prescribed pressure during exhalation
- Device and mode selected for individual clinical needs
- Ongoing equipment and clinical follow-up may be required
Do not change prescribed bilevel pressure, timing or ventilation settings without appropriate clinical direction.
Understanding the Therapy
Two Prescribed Pressure Levels Support Different Parts of the Breath
Bilevel PAP uses separate prescribed pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation. The device responds according to its prescribed mode and settings.
IPAP
Inspiratory positive airway pressure is the prescribed pressure delivered while breathing in.
Pressure Support
The difference between the prescribed inhalation and exhalation pressures may provide additional pressure support.
EPAP
Expiratory positive airway pressure is the prescribed pressure delivered while breathing out.
“BiPAP” is commonly used conversationally, while bilevel PAP or BPAP is the broader therapy category. BiPAP™ is a brand name.
Understanding the Difference
CPAP and Bilevel PAP Are Related but Not Identical
Both deliver positive airway pressure through compatible equipment, but the pressure delivery and prescribed use can differ.
CPAP Therapy
- Delivers continuous positive airway pressure
- May use fixed or automatically adjusting pressure, depending on the device
- Commonly prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea
- Uses a compatible mask and tubing system
Bilevel Therapy
- Delivers separate inhalation and exhalation pressures
- May provide additional respiratory support
- Can use different prescribed operating modes
- Requires a bilevel-compatible prescription and device
Bilevel therapy is not simply an upgraded CPAP option. The appropriate therapy is determined through clinical assessment and prescription.
Individual Therapy Needs
Bilevel Therapy May Be Used for Different Clinical Reasons
A healthcare professional selects therapy based on the individual clinical situation rather than product preference alone.
Sleep-Related Airway Support
A healthcare professional may prescribe bilevel therapy for certain patients receiving positive airway pressure treatment.
Additional Breathing Support
Some bilevel devices are used when more ventilatory support is required than standard CPAP provides.
Managing Prescribed Pressure Needs
Separate inhalation and exhalation pressures may be appropriate for some patients based on clinical assessment.
This information is not a self-screening tool. Diagnosis, device selection and therapy mode require professional assessment.
Getting Started
Your Bilevel Therapy Setup at a Glance
The exact appointment may vary, but most setups include several common steps.
01
Confirm the Prescription
Review the prescribed device, mode and pressure settings.
02
Prepare the Equipment
Confirm the machine, humidifier, tubing, filter, power supply and accessories.
03
Fit the Mask
Select and adjust a compatible mask while checking comfort and seal.
04
Learn the Controls
Review startup, humidification and comfort functions that apply to the prescribed device.
05
Plan Follow-Up
Confirm who to contact about equipment questions, therapy information and clinical concerns.
Not Every Bilevel Device Is the Same
The Prescribed Mode Determines How the Device Responds
Different bilevel devices and modes are designed for different therapy needs.
Spontaneous Bilevel Therapy
The device changes between prescribed inhalation and exhalation pressures based on detected breathing.
Bilevel With a Backup Rate
Some prescribed devices can provide timed support when a breath is not detected within the programmed interval.
Advanced Ventilation Modes
Certain devices offer additional forms of non-invasive ventilatory support for specific clinical needs.
Machines, modes and settings are not interchangeable. Use only the device and configuration prescribed for you.
Know Your Equipment
A Complete Bilevel System Includes More Than the Machine
Each component should match the prescribed system and be maintained according to its instructions.
Bilevel Device
Delivers therapy according to its prescribed mode and settings.
Mask
Connects the therapy system to the patient and must be compatible with the equipment.
Tubing
Carries airflow between the machine and mask.
Humidifier
Adds moisture when included and used according to the prescribed setup.
Filters
Protect the machine’s air intake according to model-specific instructions.
Power Supply
Provides the correct electrical connection for the device.
Your Setup Appointment
Learn the Equipment Before Using It at Home
A setup appointment can help you understand the machine, prescribed mode, humidifier, tubing, mask, controls and ongoing care routine.
- Review the machine and prescribed mode
- Connect the humidifier and tubing
- Fit the mask
- Start and stop therapy
- Review device messages
- Discuss cleaning and maintenance
- Confirm follow-up pathways
- Identify settings that should not be changed independently
What to Bring
- Prescription or referral information
- Insurance or funding information
- Existing mask, when applicable
- Current machine information
- Questions about comfort or routine
- Documentation requested by the clinic
Building Familiarity
Give Yourself Time to Learn the Equipment and Routine
Small, safe steps can make the equipment feel more familiar without changing prescribed therapy settings.
01
Practise While Awake
Become familiar with the mask and airflow while sitting calmly.
02
Review Mask Position
Confirm that the cushion is positioned correctly before tightening the headgear.
03
Use Demonstrated Comfort Features
Use only the ramp, humidification or comfort controls shown for the device.
04
Contact Support When Concerns Continue
Do not continue making repeated adjustments when the cause of a problem is unclear.
Comfort features are not the same as prescribed therapy settings. Do not change clinical settings independently.
Mask Comfort
A Stable Mask Seal Remains Important With Bilevel Therapy
Pressure changes, movement and worn components can affect mask comfort and seal.
Mask Movement
The mask shifts when pressure changes or sleeping position changes.
Air Leaks
Air escapes around the cushion or toward the eyes.
Excessive Tightening
The headgear is overtightened to compensate for leaks.
Pressure Marks
The mask causes continuing soreness or irritation.
Mouth Leak or Dryness
The mask style, fit or humidification setup may need review.
Worn Components
The cushion or headgear no longer maintains a reliable fit.
Humidification Support
Review Dryness and Moisture Concerns Carefully
Comfort concerns may involve mask leaks, mouth breathing, humidifier setup, bedroom temperature, tubing configuration, equipment cleaning or clinical factors.
Contact MedPro about equipment setup and the appropriate healthcare professional when symptoms continue or concern you.
Dry Mouth
Review mask leak, breathing habits and humidifier questions.
Nasal Dryness
Review humidification and equipment setup.
Congestion
Seek appropriate healthcare guidance when symptoms continue.
Water in the Tubing
Review chamber fill level, tubing placement and manufacturer instructions.
Damaged Humidifier Parts
Stop using damaged components and contact MedPro.
Equipment Care
Follow the Instructions for Every Component
Routine cleaning and inspection can help you recognize wear, damage and incorrect assembly.
Routine Cleaning
- Clean mask components as instructed
- Follow tubing and humidifier guidance
- Allow washable parts to dry completely
- Keep liquids away from the machine
- Inspect equipment during cleaning
Ongoing Inspection
- Cushion condition
- Headgear stretching
- Tubing damage
- Humidifier cracks
- Filter condition
- Connections and power components
Ongoing Support
Follow-Up May Include Equipment and Therapy Review
Equipment questions and clinical therapy decisions should be directed through the appropriate support pathway.
Equipment Experience
Discuss mask comfort, humidification, noise, messages and routine concerns.
Device Information
Compatible devices may record usage, leak or other machine-specific information.
Clinical Follow-Up
Prescribed mode, pressure and ventilation questions should be reviewed through the appropriate clinical pathway.
Know Who to Contact
Equipment Support and Clinical Support Have Different Roles
MedPro can assist with equipment-related support, while prescribed therapy decisions belong to the appropriate healthcare professional.
Contact MedPro About
- Mask fit and leaks
- Equipment assembly
- Humidifier and tubing questions
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Compatible replacement supplies
- Machine messages or visible damage
Contact a Healthcare Professional About
- Prescribed pressures
- Therapy mode or backup-rate settings
- New or worsening symptoms
- Questions about treatment effectiveness
- Diagnosis or treatment decisions
- Continuing difficulty despite equipment support
MedPro’s website and equipment-support resources are not emergency services. Seek urgent medical assistance when appropriate.
Coverage and Eligibility
Bilevel Coverage May Require Additional Documentation
Potential requirements may include a prescription, testing, clinical documentation, prior authorization, approved equipment categories and replacement-frequency rules.
Coverage varies by province, insurer, funding program and clinical indication.
Questions to Confirm
- Is bilevel equipment covered?
- Is preapproval required?
- What documentation is needed?
- Are masks and supplies covered separately?
- Are specific device types required?
- Is direct billing available?
MedPro cannot guarantee insurer or funding approval.
BiPAP/Bilevel Therapy FAQ
Common Questions About Bilevel Therapy and Equipment
Contact MedPro for equipment support and the appropriate healthcare professional for prescribed therapy decisions.
What is bilevel PAP therapy?
Bilevel PAP delivers separate prescribed pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation through a compatible machine, tubing and mask system.
Is BiPAP the same as bilevel PAP?
BiPAP™ is a brand name often used conversationally. Bilevel PAP or BPAP is the broader therapy category.
What is the difference between CPAP and bilevel?
CPAP delivers continuous positive airway pressure, while bilevel therapy uses separate prescribed inhalation and exhalation pressures.
What do IPAP and EPAP mean?
IPAP is inspiratory positive airway pressure and EPAP is expiratory positive airway pressure. The prescribed values depend on the individual therapy plan.
Why might a healthcare professional prescribe bilevel therapy?
Bilevel may be selected when a clinician determines that separate pressures or additional support are appropriate for the individual clinical situation.
Is bilevel always more comfortable than CPAP?
Not necessarily. Comfort depends on the prescription, mask fit, equipment setup and individual experience. Therapy should not be selected by comfort preference alone.
Are all bilevel machines the same?
No. Devices may use different modes, features and levels of respiratory support. Use only the prescribed machine and configuration.
What is a backup rate?
A backup rate is a prescribed timing feature available on certain devices that can provide timed support when a breath is not detected within the programmed interval.
Can I change my bilevel settings?
Do not independently change prescribed pressure, timing, backup-rate or ventilation settings. Contact the appropriate clinical provider.
Can I use the same mask as CPAP?
Some masks may be compatible, but the mask must match the prescribed equipment, pressure range and individual fitting needs.
What should I do about mask leaks?
Reposition the cushion, check assembly and tubing pull, and contact MedPro when leaks continue. Avoid excessive tightening.
How should bilevel equipment be cleaned?
Follow the manufacturer instructions for the exact mask, tubing, humidifier, filters and machine. Different components require different care.
Can MedPro review information from my machine?
Review options depend on the device, connectivity, consent and clinic process. Not every machine can be accessed remotely.
What should I bring to a setup appointment?
Bring the prescription or referral information, requested documentation, insurance details, existing equipment when applicable and your questions.
Does insurance cover bilevel equipment?
Coverage varies by province, insurer, funding program, prescription and documentation requirements. Confirm eligibility directly.
How do I contact MedPro for bilevel support?
Call 1-888-310-1444 or contact a MedPro clinic to discuss the equipment, mask, supplies or follow-up question.
Bilevel Equipment
Find Compatible Equipment and Replacement Supplies
A prescription or clinical approval may be required. Confirm the exact device, mode, model and compatibility before ordering.
Bilevel Machines
Prescribed bilevel devices and compatible humidification systems.
Tubing, Filters and Accessories
Machine-specific replacement components and supplies.
Confirm prescription requirements, device model, therapy mode, part number and compatibility before ordering.
Related Therapy Resources
Continue Your Therapy Journey
Direct links to practical PAP education and support.
Bilevel Therapy Support
Need Help With Your BiPAP or Bilevel Equipment?
MedPro’s respiratory care team can help you understand your equipment, review mask comfort, identify compatible supplies and access available follow-up support.