definitions

I am looking to buy a new CPAP. I am having a hard time understanding the difference between CPAP and Auto CPAP, are they the same? I know I do NOT want an APAP machine, but a lot of reviews for CPAP machines call them auto CPAP!
I know Continuous positive air pressure (fixed) and Automatic positive air pressure (Changes as needed), but whats Automatic CPAP? Seems like a Oxymoron, something that changes isn't continuous.
I have been recommended the Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP , but the reviews make it sound like an APAP not a CPAP?
the other model is Respironics System One REMstar Pro C-Flex, some reviews make it sound like the one for me, then I read a review that calls it "auto CPAP". If ask my local suppler, the talk to me like I am a 3 year old and define CPAP and APAP, but they wont answer a questions about Auto CPAP.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Rick. I'm not nearly as educated on machines as some others around here who I imagine will be along to more fully answer your questions. But I have a a PR System One REMstar 60 Series Auto CPAP. What that means for my machine is that I can run it in either CPAP (straight pressure) or APAP (auto where you can set a pressure range that will change during the night based on your breathing needs). Hope that helps some! I would definitely take a machine that will do both. You never know, down the road you may decide you want to try out the auto side. I run mine in CPAP mode the majority of the time.

Apap and 'auto' Cpap are the same thing. Cpap is just an older term and often gets used to cover both in casual speech... Apap would be used when you want to be definite about automatic vs straight Cpap.

CPAP is continuous positive airway pressure....it's a single pressure
this single pressure can be fixed (stay the same all night) and when it is fixed this is called cpap mode.

APAP...autoadjusting positive airway pressure...it's still a single pressure but it can auto adjust as the machine senses the need.

An APAP machine is a CPAP machine...it just has 2 modes (sometimes 3 if going with the for Her ResMed APAP) of operation available
cpap mode ...fixed
apap mode...auto adjusting

Respironics has the new DreamStation Auto CPAP....it's a cpap machine but it has auto adjusting mode (apap) available.
The name is confusing because it says both Auto and CPAP in the same name.

An APAP machine is first a cpap machine because it delivers a single pressure (vs a bilevel machine that delivers 2 distinct pressures)...and the APAP machine has both cpap fixed mode available plus the auto adjusting apap mode available.

This is why the HCPCS billing code for either is E0601....it's the single pressure part of what it delivers that makes the distinction.
Now sometimes using exhale relief creates 2 pressures but that's a function of the exhale relief and not a setting for the pressure itself.

Yes, the terminology can be confusing.

rick654321 wrote:... whats Automatic CPAP? Seems like a Oxymoron, something that changes isn't continuous.

A minor point, but even an automatically adjusting CPAP continuously maintains pressure. The pressure may vary, but it is not discontinuous until you take off the mask or turn off the machine.

The regulars here always recommend APAP. It can be set to straight pressure CPAP as Pugsy noted.

You apparently have an aversion to an auto-adjusting machine. If your aversion ever goes away, you might become happy that you acquired an APAP. If your aversion doesn't go away, you just smile and leave it set on straight CPAP.

Which brand/model machine are you using now? Will insurance help pay for the new purchase?

Definitely get a machine with both. Some people never get used to or like auto-adjusting (APAP) where the pressure is set to a range that changes as your needs change during the night. Some folks are light sleepers and wake up, even if just slightly, every time the pressure changes. I used to be like that, but now can sleep with auto, although I normally use CPAP mode (set to one pressure that doesn't change). Right now, though, I'm messing with the auto in small ranges to see if it improves some things. Even though you may now prefer CPAP and might always prefer it, having the auto side for things like I'm doing right now can be extremely beneficial. And as others have stated, in time may even decide you like the auto mode better.

Some DME's misrepresent APAP as a machine with wildly fluctuating pressure.
This is untrue, as any APAP can be run in straight pressure mode,
but it can also be used to periodically check if you are getting the ideal pressure. (Eliminating extra $leep $tudies)
Dealers make less money on the APAP, over a CPAP brick, which is why many will even lie to sell you one.

rick654321 wrote:I know I do NOT want an APAP machine, but a lot of reviews for CPAP machines call them auto CPAP!
.

Why not?