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Cons to APAP (vs CPAP)?
I have just received my first xPAP machine, a ResMed S9 AutoSet, which is an APAP machine but is currently being used with constant pressure.
I know that APAP machines cost a bit more than straight CPAP machines ($48 for ResMed S9 Auto vs ResMed S9 Elite), so an insurance company might prefer a patient use the cheaper machine. And some patients might find constant pressure more comfortable than variable pressure.
But is there any clinical reason that a constant pressure machine (i.e. CPAP) might be preferred over an autotitration device (i.e. APAP)? Is there any clinical downside to using an APAP machine, with an appropriate pressure range (e.g. 6 - 10 cm)?
Views: 1777
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Bruce, some people just prefer and do better on a CPAP. I do. AUTO machines are preferred by some patients and doctors in different condidions. A of people continue to self titrate, or titrate with their doctors help with the AUTO. I don't think there is any downside to an AUTO unless it is comfort reasons. I think docs tend to order CPAP if that's all a person really needs. My S8 works in three modes, but I prefer CPAP.
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Permalink Reply by STL Mark on
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Try to get your doctor to write the script to supply an AutoSet machine that is fully data capable with a constant CPAP pressure. Then you have the Auto in case you decide to try it and a regular CPAP for those times if you don't prefer Auto.
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Permalink Reply by Bruce Bon on
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I believe that I got what you suggest, mostly by luck, though I did express preference for ResMed vs Respironics. I haven't installed the software yet to look at all the data, but I understand that it is there. I know it records AHI, AI, CAI, and leakage and will display those on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, but I think the recording frequency on the SD card is more like 1 Hz. Machine is ResMed S9 AutoSet (REF 36005).
STL Mark said:Try to get your doctor to write the script to supply an AutoSet machine that is fully data capable with a constant CPAP pressure. Then you have the Auto in case you decide to try it and a regular CPAP for those times if you don't prefer Auto.
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Permalink Reply by Lynn on
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I would imagine that the apap will function as cpap. From what I've learned, the apap will determine your best pressure based on several nights worth of data. For me, that might be handy as I'm planning to lose weight and my need for pressure should lessen as I lose weight. Just depends on what your needs are.
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Bruce, I use the Resmed Autoset and are happy with it although it is the only machine I have tried. It can be set with a constant flow which is what I started out with or can be changed to auto, the normal Resmed is constant only. With the auto, it is set to your prescribed levels and adjusts itself during the night when it detects apnea's. So on constant pressure mine was set at 10, but on auto it's range is 4 - 12. I found that when I had it on constant if I woke up to go to the toilet it would be really pushing the air out now it doesn't seem as bad. I have the ramp feature set at 20mins but that is optional, so it stays at 4 for the first 20mins. The results will tell tou how many times and for how long it has been at each pressure. The only problem I found is that it picks up the apneas straight away but takes time to come back down when it fixes the apneas so I may be at 12 for 10 mins or so.
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I have the Resmed S-9. My dr. likes it because it has more data collection capabilities. I like it because it's more comfortable. The continuous air was too strong at times.
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