Straight CPAP Recommended but should I get Auto CPAP anyway

[CK12]

I recently had a sleep study done and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and severe oxyhemoglobin desaturation. I used an Auto CPAP (Philips REMstar 60 series) on a trial basis for about a week and experienced significant relief.

After seeing the sleep study results, my doctor has advised me to use a straight CPAP machine with pressure setting of 10 and he also mentioned that Auto CPAP in my case is not recommended.

Cost is not a factor as I can get both machines at almost similar prices in the country where I am currently. I understand that newer straight CPAP machines also have good data storage options just like auto CPAPs.

My questions are:
Should I go ahead and buy Auto CPAP in any case, using it in fixed mode for now and later switch on to auto mode if I do not feel comfortable?
Is there really any disadvantage of auto CPAPs?
Can use of auto CPAP instead of straight CPAP make my condition worse?

Thanks.

[Wulfman...]

I recently had a sleep study done and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and severe oxyhemoglobin desaturation. I used an Auto CPAP (Philips REMstar 60 series) on a trial basis for about a week and experienced significant relief.

After seeing the sleep study results, my doctor has advised me to use a straight CPAP machine with pressure setting of 10 and he also mentioned that Auto CPAP in my case is not recommended.

Cost is not a factor as I can get both machines at almost similar prices in the country where I am currently. I understand that newer straight CPAP machines also have good data storage options just like auto CPAPs.

My questions are:
Should I go ahead and buy Auto CPAP in any case, using it in fixed mode for now and later switch on to auto mode if I do not feel comfortable?
Is there really any disadvantage of auto CPAPs?
Can use of auto CPAP instead of straight CPAP make my condition worse?

Thanks.

First answer is "Yes". Being a multi-mode machine, they are more flexible.

Second answer is "Possibly". Some people are sensitive to pressure changes which can disrupt sleep and leave the user feeling unrested. There are other problems that can arise with using a range of pressures, especially if the range is too wide.

Third answer is similar to the second......"Possibly". It won't necessarily make it "worse", but like the second answer, it's possible you won't have an improvement in how you feel.


Den

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[granti55]

It shouldn't make any difference as long as you use it on straight cpap. I had them same diagnosis and they gave me 2 rx's. The government here gives you a cpap machine and the autoset rx my group insurance at work paid for. I try and wear out the free one am on my second. I like the autoset better. 10 was the setting they gave me too.

[Sheriff Buford]

I agree with Wulfman... but let me put it in a different way... Get the Autopap. You can use the Autopap in the straight cpap mode or in the Autopap mode. Some folks prefer the autopap mode and some prefer the cpap mode. You won't know until you try both. Yes... they are different. Along with the "waking up with the different pressure changes", the autopap can take some time (depending on the machine) to respond and treat an apnea event. While it is adjusting... you are experiencing an apnea event. In straight cpap mode, the pressure is constant all night... It all boils down to your personal comfort. I recognmend folks try out the alternate mode once or twice a year to see how they feel. I have gone thru short periods of time using the autoset mode, and did feel somewhat better, but have eventually migrated back to the cpap mode. I find I feel better with the cpap mode. You may "feel better" with autopap, but you will never know if you don't have a machine that offers both features.

Sheriff

[CK12]

Thank you all. Much appreciated.