how does APAP work? and SmartCard terms

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Mile High Sleeper
Posts: 275
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2005 5:48 pm
Location: Colorado
Contact:

how does APAP work? and SmartCard terms

Post by Mile High Sleeper » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:40 pm

Can anyone explain in a very short, simple, nontechnical way how an APAP machine detects what pressure you need for every single breath? And how it knows when you are exhaling and how to back off on pressure? I have the Respironics auto PAP w/ C flex set from 4cm to 20 cm.

My DME absolutely refused to inform me about the SmartCard printout that I got from them with great difficulty, and I haven't gotten the software yet. What does "flow limitation" mean?

I read that rested gal ignores the snore factor. What does "snore" measure and how well does it measure it? My snore factor goes from 265.6 at 4 cm to 0.7 at 11 cm, quite a difference. I don't know if the machine is set to ramp, another thing the DME hasn't told me. I'll ask them again and get that software!

What is the difference between average max leak, average 90% leak, and average leak? Which one is the best to monitor for leakage?


_________________
Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: SleepZone heated hose, PAPillow, bed wedge, Grossan Hydro-Mate, SnuggleHose, AIEOMed Everest w/ hh, battery pack, DC cord, PadACheek, Headrest pillows
Mile High Sleeper Gal
Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. - Albert Einstein

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:50 pm

The definition in the CPAPopedia isn't too techie:
forumadmin wrote:AutoPAP - also known as "auto-titrating CPAP", auto-adjusting CPAP", or "self-adjusting CPAP."

CPAP is set for one continuous pressure. An AutoPAP can be set to deliver a range of low/high pressures, customizable within 4 - 20 cm H2O.

An AutoPAP differs from a CPAP in that an AutoPAP uses algorithms to sense subtle changes in the user's breathing and deliver only the amount of pressure necessary to keep the airway open.

An AutoPAP automatically varies the pressure to prevent and/or correct sleep disordered breathing events - apneas, hypopneas, air flow restrictions, and snores.

Computer software is available for AutoPAP machines, which will allow a user or clinician to download the recorded data into a PC. This data can be put in report form to track treatment results.

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:55 pm

for the rest of it, you can use the search function for great explanations.

Or take a look at this:

myencore.php

You'll have to move down quite a bit to get to the definitions for each variable and corresponding graph.