CPAP has been used successfully to treat people with COVID-19. BiPAP may be used in more severe COVID-19 cases, as it offers more breathing support unless or until intubation is needed.

When we have to select NIV, CPAP or BiPAP support for any of the patients, the first and foremost thing will be for what medical conditions this NIV support is being prescribed for.

First, she explained the difference between CPAP and bi-level machines, saying CPAP machines only have one setting whereas bi-level machines have two so it can help inflate lungs.

Hospitals around the world are reaching for noninvasive ventilatory support to ease the pressure on intensive care in the face of COVID-19, but the approach is not without some controversy.

CPAP and BiPAP machines generally are used for people who suffer from sleep apnea, but could be used in the absence of conventional ventilators.

Guidelines suggest bilevel NIV or CPAP for patients with acute respiratory failure associated with pulmonary edemas, the authors noted. Finally, the authors addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 2021 study by the network showed that 1447 children younger than age 20 were using NIV/CPAP for at least 3 months on June 1, 2019. Of those, 28% had NMDs.