A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus for respiratory assistance of a patient is disclosed. There is a blower having an output connectible to a ventilation mask wearable by the patient. A first pressure sensor measures blower pressure at the output of the blower, and a second pressure sensor that is connectible to the ventilation mask measures mask pressure therein. A pressure controller is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and a patient inspiratory phase and a patient expiratory phase is be detectable by the pressure controller to regulate therapeutic airflow delivered to the patient based upon pressure differentials between the mask pressure and the blower pressure.