APAP Vs. CPAP's

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Snorkel
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Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:17 pm
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APAP Vs. CPAP's

Post by Snorkel » Sun May 27, 2007 12:58 am

I've read a lot of the good info hereon APAPs. With access to a good labs and good docs, when does it make sense to RX for an is APAP? In one sense, I see the question as ( money/cost aside) why not always use APAP ?

Thanks,
David

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): APAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): APAP


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blarg
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Post by blarg » Sun May 27, 2007 1:06 am

APAPs can be set to run at a single CPAP pressure. So, the only real issue is money.

Now, keep in mind, the VAST majority of people do just fine on a single CPAP pressure, so in my mind, as long as you have data recording capabilities, you're doing just fine. The auto helps you find the pressures you need, but it's not impossible with a single CPAP pressure.

Mainly, the nice thing about APAPs is that they let you stay at a lower pressure for much of the night and then only ramping up when you actually need the higher pressure.

So basically, if you think your doctor will be supportive, there is no reason not to get an APAP if cash isn't an issue. Just don't be thinking you have to then use it on auto mode all the time to "get your money's worth." It's nice to have the flexibility of auto mode if that's what happens to give you better treatment. Start with your titrated pressure on straight CPAP though and see what the data looks like. If something needs changing that's when the auto part comes in handy.

Oh, and also, your pressure is bound to change as you age. So APAP is kinda like having a sleep study stored up in the future. Nothing compares with a titration in a good sleep lab, but you can do pretty darn well yourself if you don't have other issues that complicate titration.

I'm a programmer Jim, not a doctor!

Snorkel
Posts: 74
Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:17 pm
Location: PNW

Post by Snorkel » Sun May 27, 2007 2:38 am

thanks. I think the idea came up when i realized tjhat events (AHI'S) would not be the same night-to-night for anyone, and therefiore that the CPAP approach, while goodfor most, was flawed.

PLUS. a good reporting machine can'tr bne all tha different from asn auto-pap. that wha =t hte heck.

thanks again,

David

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, auto


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dsm
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Post by dsm » Sun May 27, 2007 4:18 am

[quote="Snorkel"]thanks. I think the idea came up when i realized tjhat events (AHI'S) would not be the same night-to-night for anyone, and therefiore that the CPAP approach, while goodfor most, was flawed.

PLUS. a good reporting machine can'tr bne all tha different from asn auto-pap. that wha =t hte heck.

thanks again,

David

xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Snorkel
Posts: 74
Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:17 pm
Location: PNW

Post by Snorkel » Sun May 27, 2007 6:12 pm

By flawed, I mesnt that not everyone needed a constant pressure all the time. So, the idea of coming up with the reporting function with / or as part of the auto adjusting function makes sense.

I'm finding my AHIs all over the place.... and the only thing that I've figgured out that appears to play a role is whether I am sleeping alone or w/ my g/f. If she's in bed w. me, my AHI tends to be higher. Other than that, it appears random.

I'm also entering into a period of falling asleep in the middle of a saturday at inappropriate times (e.g., while looking at paint colors) - something unheard of for me pre-theraphy. I'm falling asleep at inappropriate times and dreaming away. and the norm historically was it was imposibbile for me to ever falll asleep. If as my doc suspects this has been going on for decades, my sleep system/cycle is probably all mucked up.

I sure hope this works out and, again, appreciate the insight from everyone.

-david

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI, auto