Auto CPAP Machine vs Fixed CPAP?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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cate1898
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Auto CPAP Machine vs Fixed CPAP?

Post by cate1898 » Fri Aug 28, 2015 6:09 am

I've been voraciously trying to read all I can on here. I have lots of questions I hope to get answered before I go for my titration sleep study early next week. 1st one is about the CPAP machines. I've been reading that most people seem to favour the auto CPAP or I guess you'd refer to them as APAP machines. I am wondering based on what I've read if the doctor writes a prescription for either an APAP or a CPAP and if so, is it based on your needs? What is the difference between these two types of machines (not specific brands), and what are the pros and cons for a new user. Another thing I want to mention is that regardless of which one I end up with, (again based on knowledge gained here) is that I want a machine that is fully data capable.

Thanks in advance!

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LSAT
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Re: Auto CPAP Machine vs Fixed CPAP?

Post by LSAT » Fri Aug 28, 2015 6:58 am

CPAP is strictly a fixed pressure machine. An APAP can be used as a fixed pressure OR a variable pressure machine.

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ramblingasian
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Re: Auto CPAP Machine vs Fixed CPAP?

Post by ramblingasian » Fri Aug 28, 2015 7:11 am

cate1898 wrote:I've been voraciously trying to read all I can on here. I have lots of questions I hope to get answered before I go for my titration sleep study early next week. 1st one is about the CPAP machines. I've been reading that most people seem to favour the auto CPAP or I guess you'd refer to them as APAP machines. I am wondering based on what I've read if the doctor writes a prescription for either an APAP or a CPAP and if so, is it based on your needs? What is the difference between these two types of machines (not specific brands), and what are the pros and cons for a new user. Another thing I want to mention is that regardless of which one I end up with, (again based on knowledge gained here) is that I want a machine that is fully data capable.

Thanks in advance!
Since you're from Ontario, I'd recommend you to read up on the ADP (the OHIP program that covers equipment). If you use them, which you probably will, they have strict rules on whether you'll be given a CPAP, APAP or a BiPAP machine. 95% of OSA patients in Ontario are given a CPAP machine as they don't qualify for ASAP and BiPAP based on provincial funding.

EDIT: Here it is: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/prog ... manual.pdf

EDIT2: Wait for your titration before you start thinking about what machine you want. For instance, reading here you will probably think, wow, APAP is the best machine for me. However, if your titration shows you only need a CPAP, the doctor in Ontario will not write you a APAP prescription.

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cate1898
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Auto CPAP Machine vs Fixed CPAP?

Post by cate1898 » Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:49 am

I've got a rough idea about this now. Got a chance to speak to an RT at a Clinic. Thanks for the answers.