Guides › BiPAP at home: the complete guide
BiPAP at home: the complete guide
What BiPAP does, who needs it, ST vs auto machines, how to fit the mask, cleaning, and the problems families face in the first week.
1BiPAP on rent: how it works
- Share the prescription IPAP, EPAP, backup rate and mask type from the doctor or discharge summary.
- We set it up Machine programmed to the prescription, mask fitted, humidifier filled.
- Oxygen if prescribed Concentrator connected to the mask or circuit as advised.
- Night check We check leaks and comfort in the first days.
- Monthly rent Extend month by month; return when the doctor says.
2BiPAP with oxygen
Many COPD and post-ICU patients need BiPAP and oxygen together. Oxygen from a concentrator joins the BiPAP circuit through a port on the mask or an adaptor near the machine. The flow is set by the doctor.
- Patient drowsy or confused on BiPAP
- Lips blue despite oxygen
- Mask cannot be kept on
3Who needs BiPAP at home
Nightly BiPAP can reduce hospital readmissions when prescribed.
Weak breathing during sleep in very heavy patients.
ALS, myopathy and similar conditions with weak breathing muscles.
Patients weaned off a ventilator who still need support.
4Which brand of BiPAP machine is best?
ResMed (AirCurve, Lumis), Philips (DreamStation, A40), BPL, BMC and Oxymed are common. For home ICU, a machine with a backup rate (S/T mode) is usually prescribed.
5What is a BiPAP machine?
BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) blows air through a mask at two pressures: a higher one when the patient breathes in (IPAP) and a lower one when they breathe out (EPAP). It helps tired breathing muscles and washes out carbon dioxide.
Common reasons: COPD with high CO₂, obesity hypoventilation, neuromuscular weakness and chronic respiratory failure. The settings come from the doctor, often after a hospital stay or a sleep study.
6BiPAP modes: S, S/T and AVAPS — which one your prescription needs
Fixed pressures plus a backup breath rate: if the patient doesn’t breathe in time, the machine gives a breath. The usual choice for COPD and hypoventilation.
Adjusts pressures within limits the doctor sets. Useful when needs change through the night.
9 models in stock
8 models in stock
Check the prescription for mode (S, ST, T, AVAPS), IPAP, EPAP, backup rate and rise time. We set the machine to the prescription and show you the screen.
7The mask matters most
Covers nose and mouth. Best for mouth breathers and most COPD patients.
Smaller, more comfortable if the mouth stays closed.
Lightest, for patients who can’t tolerate a mask on the face.
- Size it Use the sizing gauge; a mask too big leaks, too small presses.
- Fit lying down Fit it in the sleeping position with the machine running.
- Straps snug, not tight Two fingers under the strap. Tight straps cause sores and more leaks.
- Check the leak Most machines show leak on screen. Hissing at the eyes means re-seat the mask.
8Daily use and cleaning
Empty the humidifier chamber, wipe the mask cushion with a damp cloth.
Wash mask, tubing and chamber in mild soapy water, rinse, air-dry out of sunlight.
Check or change the air filter.
Cushions and tubing when cracked or stiff (often every 3–6 months).
Use distilled water in the humidifier. Keep the machine below the bed level so water doesn’t run down the tube to the mask.
9First-week problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dry mouth or nose | Low humidity, mouth leak | Raise humidity, try a full-face mask or chin strap. |
| Air in the stomach, bloating | Swallowing air at high pressure | Tell the doctor; settings may need adjusting. |
| Red mark on the nose bridge | Straps too tight or wrong size | Loosen, resize, use a cushion or gel pad. |
| Feels like too much air | Getting used to it | Use ramp, wear it while awake watching TV for short spells. |
| Water in the tube | Room colder than the air in the tube | Lower humidity, tube cover, keep the machine low. |
- More drowsy or confused than usual
- Headache every morning
- Breathless even on the machine
- Lips turning blue
10BiPAP machine on rent or buy: price in Delhi
Many patients start with a rental after discharge and buy once the doctor confirms long-term use. Rental includes setup, mask fitting and replacement if it fails.
11Best BiPAP machine for home use
| Brand | Model | Modes | Pressure | Humidifier | Rent | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC | RESmart G2 | S, T, ST | 4–25 cm H₂O | Optional | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| BPL | LifePAP 25 ST | CPAP, S, Auto S, S/T, T, Auto S/T | 4–25 cm H₂O | Integrated with pre-heat | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| BPL | LifePAP Prime | CPAP, S, Auto S, S/T, T, Auto S/T | 4–25 cm H₂O | Integrated, pre-heat | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| Oxymed | AirSmart BPAP ST | S, S/T, CPAP | 4–30 cm H₂O | Heated | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| Philips | DreamStation BiPAP S/T | S, T, S/T | 4–30 cm H₂O | Heated, built-in | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 10 S | S, CPAP | 4–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 10 ST | S, T, S/T, CPAP | 3–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 11 ST | S, T, S/T, CPAP | 3–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | Lumis 100 VPAP S | S, CPAP | 3–25 cm H₂O | Built-in HumidAir | ₹5,000/mo | — |
| BPL | LifePAP 25A | Auto S, Auto S/T | 4–25 cm H₂O | Integrated | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| Oxymed | AirSmart Auto BiLevel | Auto BiLevel, S, CPAP | 4–30 cm H₂O | Heated | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| Philips | BiPAP A40 | S/T, PC, AVAPS | 4–30 cm H₂O | ₹6,000/mo | — | |
| Philips | DreamStation BiPAP Auto | Auto BiPAP, S, CPAP | 4–25 cm H₂O | Heated, built-in with adaptive control | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 10 ASV | ASV, ASVAuto | 4–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 10 ST-A | S, T, S/T, iVAPS, AutoEPAP | 3–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | AirCurve 10 VAuto | VAuto, S, CPAP | 4–25 cm H₂O | Built-in HumidAir | ₹6,000/mo | — |
| ResMed | Lumis 150 VPAP ST-A | S, ST, iVAPS, AutoEPAP | 3–25 cm H₂O | Built-in | ₹6,000/mo | — |
Prices are what we charge in Delhi NCR. Which model arrives depends on the prescribed flow and what is free on the day.
12Which brand of BiPAP machine do we give you?
We do not sell one brand. These are the BiPAP machine brands actually in our Delhi stock today, with the number of models we hold and the lowest monthly rent for each. Which one arrives depends on the prescribed flow or size and what is free on the day — tell us the prescription and we will say exactly which machine is coming.
| Brand | Models we hold | Rent from |
|---|---|---|
| ResMed | 8 | ₹5,000 |
| BPL | 3 | ₹5,000 |
| Philips | 3 | ₹5,000 |
| Oxymed | 2 | ₹5,000 |
| BMC | 1 | ₹5,000 |
5 brands and 17 models in stock. Rent across the range runs ₹5,000–₹6,000 a month.
Questions families ask
Can BiPAP be used with oxygen?
Yes. Oxygen tubing joins at the mask or the machine outlet at the flow the doctor sets. Switch oxygen off when BiPAP is off.
What is the difference between CPAP and BiPAP?
CPAP gives one pressure, mainly to keep the airway open in sleep apnoea. BiPAP gives two pressures and supports breathing itself.
Written for families by the MedStay team. Follow your own doctor’s prescription.