Can ya feel the difference between APAP vs. CPAP?

[chdurie2]

ok guys--

Assuming you use the same mask and have the pressure range set at around the same area as your cpap (my apap will be 6-10; my cpap is , can you feel any difference in sleep quality/experience?

This by way of saying that I'm supposedly getting, as requested, a new S8 Vantage Autoset from a DME at the end of this week (if they make it here by next week, I'm happy). I've only been actively lobbying my sleep doc for 3 months, silently wishing for 5 months. I guess it was worth it-issues got resolved, and best of all, I get the APAP.

So I was wondering whether after all this, I can expect to feel a difference.If I don't, I don't. At least I know I have the best.

Caroline

[chdurie2]

oops! my cpap pressure is 8.

Caroline

[Wulfman]

Caroline,

OK......I'll bite......do you WANT to feel a difference?
Or, do you want it to feel about the same?

I did a week-long test with my REMstar Auto at the beginning of July. Same mask (obviously) and pressure range of 10 - 15. I really didn't feel any worse, but my "numbers" were higher. For the most part, the pressure stayed between 10 and 12.....with a few hours at 13 and 14. It pretty much convinced me that I'm one of those people who do better at a single pressure of a very narrow range. I think there were times when the pressure increases had a tendency to disturb my sleep, but I imagine had I stayed in that range, that I'd have gotten used to it.....(or maybe not).
I believe I also confirmed that the Auto wanted to chase my snoring which were mainly the causes of the pressure increases.

Anyway, with some experimenting, you'll be able to tell what setting(s) work best for you. Remember, you can't use EPR in Auto mode on the Vantage.

Good luck with it.

Den

[Goofproof]

I felt fine on both because I had them dialed in to what I needed. the first month was a AHI rollie coster, because I was testing things some worked some didn't, we got to know the APAP Beast, Den, Is right, it do like to chase snores.

Too answer your question, do I feel different using one over the other, No!
Where the difference comes in is, my pressure is lower during most of the night. That means less leaks and problems, that alone is worth the price of admission. Can CPAP treat your Apnea better probably, but at the cost of more discomfort.

Lucky you are at 8 cm, you might not miss exhaust relief so much. Jim

[ldaiga]

I have been on the CPAP for almost 2 months, but with a titration study when I was asleep barely over 2 hours, I wasn't sure 13 pts pressure was a good result. I 've been on the Auto CPAP with C-flex for a few days, so the jury is still out. (pressures set at 8-14) When I wake up I notice one morning the pressure read is at 13, on another morning the read is at 13.5, and this morning the red was at 10. Can someone explain what these reads mean?
When I first turn on the machine, I have to quickly adjust to breathing at 8 pts, but then it settles down quickly with the C-flex kicking in. On the straight CPAP machine, my ramp was considerably lower, almost to the point of not getting enough air. I love the C-flex aspect on this machine! But, do I feel better in the end, probably a little better with the APAP. And so far I feel more comfortable with it and have better peace of mind. (also important factors!). I'll let you know after the doc gets a look at the results on the smartcard in a couple of weeks. If you have a chance to try both, do it, and then decide.
Liga

[sleepylady]

Caroline,

The answer for me is YES, I feel a big difference using APAP over CPAP. My original titrated pressure was 14 and then upped to 16. I was still exhausted so my dr. ordered an APAP. In the beginning it was set at 12 - 17. I gave that three months (but should have given it only one) and found I felt better, but still exhausted. I upped my pressure to 13 - 17 for a month and found I felt better yet, but still very weary...though it was much better. I then upped my settings to 14 - 17 and found this is the perfect range for me. Some nights I average 14.2, however, others it's 15. Depending on many factors, I could go only up to 15 or all the way to 17.

I hope the new APAP works well for you. Many people do handle just a straight pressure great, but for me I NEED a variable pressure.

Melinda

[yardbird]

My pressure is about the same as yours at 8cm and yes, I can feel the difference between straight CPAP and being on APAP. I sleep better on the APAP than I did on the CPAP. My range is set at 6 to 11. I do not have numbers from my straight CPAP machine and to be honest I have not run my APAP as straight CPAP. Might be interesting, but I'm doing so well right now I really don't want to mess with it.

I find that about 80% of the time I am in the 6 to 7 range (and most of that is closer to 6). However I DID notice a few excursions up to my previous high range limit of 10. It didn't stay there long, didn't do it every night, but 4 or 5 nights a week I'd see that upper limit being tagged. So I raised it to 11. I never get to 11 but I feel more comfortable having a little buffer zone.

On APAP I fall asleep faster, wake up less often, I sleep longer (assuming the dog lets me) and while I don't have clinical proof of my claims, I just FEEL better. And my numbers look perfectly acceptable to me, were quite stable and I've actually dropped off from being so meticulous about checking them. I don't download data daily or weekly now. I watched the numbers for a couple of months after they became stable and now I check every 6 weeks or so..... if I remember.