BiPAP

BiPAP is a medical acronym for bilevel positive airway pressure. It is used primarily in clinical settings, such as hospitals or sleep clinics, and in home care for patients with chronic respiratory issues. The term is used as a common noun in medical discourse to describe both the therapy and the machine itself.

Because it is a specialized medical term, it is rarely used in casual conversation unless the speaker is a healthcare professional or a patient discussing their specific treatment. It is distinct from CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in that it provides two different pressure levels, a nuance critical for clinicians when prescribing the device.