Coronavirus has sparked a new conversation about the difference between ventilators, CPAP and BiPAP machines.

A BiPAP machine, along with CPAP machines, are typically used by patients who suffer from sleep apnea, McLaughlin explained.

BiPAP and CPAP masks help people with obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure — health conditions that cause pauses in breathing during sleep.

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