This study was to compare the efficacy of continuous, bi-level positive airway pressure (CPAP, Bi-PAP) and oxygen therapy on detailed observation of time-course change in blood gases, physiological parameters and rate of endotracheal intubation in patient with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). Sixty-six patients with ACPE were randomly assigned to receive standard oxygen (O<sup>2</sup>) therapy (n=23), CPAP (n=21), and Bi-PAP (n=22). Blood gases (PaCO<sup>2</sup>, PaO<sup>2</sup>, SaO<sup>2</sup>, pH, and HCO<sup>3</sup>), and physiological parameters (HR, RR, SBP, and DBP) were collected at baseline (T0), immediately after 60 minutes (T60), and after 30 minutes of discontinuation (T90). A significant improvements (p<0.05) in PaCO<sup>2</sup>, PaO<sup>2</sup>, SaO<sup>2</sup> and vital signs were observed immediately after CPAP and Bi-PAP when compared to O<sup>2</sup> therapy. After 30 minutes of disconnection, Bi-PAP revealed significant improvement (p<0.05) in PaO<sup>2</sup>, SaO<sup>2</sup>, and respiratory rate. No differences on intubation and death rate detected among treatment groups. Both methods of noninvasive ventilations are effective treatment for ACPE. However, Bi-PAP should be considered as first line of treatment due to faster and continuous improvement in oxygenation and respiratory rate.