is this how an apap works?

[DebMA]

Today I napped with my cpap for the first time (yay for thanksgiving vacation!) and I was reading a magazine for about 20 minutes with the mask on before I fell asleep. I had the chance to really notice the way the machine was "breathing". I know that the apap is supposed to adjust to my needs, however, while I was awake I felt like the pressure was changing (ie, I could feel more air and hear the motor making a louder sound and see the smaller hose near my face bobbing) about every four seconds, regardless of what my breathing pattern was (I even held my breath a few times to see if I could force it to change pressure). There was a constant blowing, and then an extra "push" of air every few seconds. Is this what should be happening?

Thanks for your help!

[Julie]

Hi, don't even try to figure out what goes on while you're awake and using the machine. It functions while you're asleep, and responds to your asleep breathing. You won't get anything useful when you're awake.

[Hose_Head]

Today I napped with my cpap for the first time (yay for thanksgiving vacation!) and I was reading a magazine for about 20 minutes with the mask on before I fell asleep. I had the chance to really notice the way the machine was "breathing". I know that the apap is supposed to adjust to my needs, however, while I was awake I felt like the pressure was changing (ie, I could feel more air and hear the motor making a louder sound and see the smaller hose near my face bobbing) about every four seconds, regardless of what my breathing pattern was (I even held my breath a few times to see if I could force it to change pressure). There was a constant blowing, and then an extra "push" of air every few seconds. Is this what should be happening?

Thanks for your help!

What you've described is the aflex, not the auto adjustment feature. Aflex reduces pressure to make it easier for you to exhale, then ramps the pressure back up when you inhale. The puff of air is a test for an apnea.

[DebMA]

Julie and Hose Head, thank you very much for your helpful replies!