APAP vs. CPAP: Which One is Right for You?

Hey Sleep Warrior, 

Last week, we explored the differences between CPAP and BiPAP machines. And continuing with our ABCs of PAP therapy, Today, we're focusing on Auto-CPAP and what makes it unique.

Auto-CPAP, also known as APAP or Automatic Positive Airway Pressure, is designed to adjust the pressure settings throughout the night based on your needs. Instead of maintaining a single pressure, Auto-CPAP machines can increase or decrease the pressure within a set range. 

For instance, your machine might be set to a pressure range of 6 to 15 cm of water instead of a fixed pressure, at say, 12 cm of water. 

But how does it work? 

The machine continuously monitors your breathing and adjusts the pressure to respond to apneas or hypopneas. If you are having apneas, the pressure increases. If you go for sometime without apneas, the pressure lowers. This can be helpful because it is normal for your apnea to get more severe at certain periods during the night, such as when you're in REM or dreaming sleep, sleeping on your back, or after consuming alcohol.

The benefit of this technology is twofold: you receive the optimal pressure when you need it most, and you often experience a lower average pressure throughout the night, which can enhance comfort. This dynamic adjustment helps ensure effective treatment without unnecessary high pressure all night long.

One thing to keep in mind is that while Auto-CPAP aims to minimize apnea events, you might still experience occasional apneas. After all, it is these apneas that tell your machine to increase the pressure. So, It's essential to check your machine data regularly to ensure your residual AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) is below 5, indicating good control of your sleep apnea.

Most new CPAP machines are equipped with Auto-CPAP capabilities, offering flexibility to set a fixed CPAP pressure if needed. This versatility makes Auto-CPAP a popular choice for many users.

Thanks for being here, I’ll see you next week!