Autoset vs CPAP

[Digeeedad]

I'm within 2 weeks new, having a ResMed S9 Autoset. For the previous 5 years, I had a ResMed S8 Elite. I'm noticing that when using the S9 in Autoset, it indicates that my AHI is hovering around 7-8s, with the average pressure being in the low 15s, using the pressure range of 12-18. Tonight, I used the S9 in CPAP mode setting the pressure at my prescribed 14. AHI was 1.1 Are some people more sensitive to the fluctuating pressures of autoset, doing better using the CPAP mode? I would assume that the Autoset mode would ultimately be the better option... maybe taking a while to get used to? The autoset was definitely more comfortable, as when awake for me the difference between presssures 12 and 14 is very noticeable. I do not have Sleepyhead, not sure I want to, as I'm more than a little obsessive by nature and know that I'd get all transfixed!

[Sheriff Buford]

Not necessarily. I switch to the other mode that I'm not using every 6 months or so. For me, I have always leaned towards the cpap mode. Note that there is a 10 second delay for the Resmed autoset machines to respond to an apnea event (in the autoset mode). I have always felt that I'd rather be in the cpap mode to treat an event as to wait for 10 seconds for the machine to respond. It's all a personal thang'. Some folks feel better with cpap... while some folks feel better with autoset. I do encourage folks to switch to the other mode ever so often to see if they feel better during the day.

Whatever turns your crank....

Sheriff

PS: Pugsy.... note that I stated this in less than three lines!

[chunkyfrog]

After using an S9 Elite set on 14 for the first few months, my first Autoset allowed me to lower my pressure around 3 cm.
I am most comfortable running on a fairly tight range, and that is my preference.
But I am a tough old frog, and somebody more sensitive might sleep better on a single pressure.

[zoocrewphoto]

It really depends on your sensitivity level and what your pressure needs are.

For example, I can sleep through wild swings from 11-17, but I a tiny little hiss from my mask, and I am wide awake.

For pressure needs, I spend most of my night in the 11-12 range, with some short times at 15 and maybe a couple really short spikes to almost 17. If I had to go with one pressure, I could probably do 14 and 15 and keep a reasonably low ahi. But I am fine with the pressure changes, and I do have higher pressure needs when on my back. I have also noticed that while I don't really wake up with the pressure changes, I do get bothered a little at 16-17. Not sure if it is because of the pressure itself or because it only goes that high when I am on my back and that combination of back sleeping and high pressure produces flapping cheeks. Anyway, that bothers me, so I tend to roll back onto my side, and teh pressure goes back down. So, the very fact that the pressure CAN go higher, helps to keep my off my back, and thus it doesn't NEED to go higher. I suspect that if I used cpap mode at 14, I might end up on my back more and thus need a higher pressure or have a higher ahi.

So, for me, the variable pressure range really helps me. But I know others would be really bothered by the changes and would do better with a straight pressure. The key is to find out what works best for you. Try both ways. You have full data, so you can look at the data results and also compare how you feel. If your data looks great, but you are waking up a lot, then your sleep is still a problem. If it works better for you on one pressure, your events are controlled, and you feel better, then go with it. The nice thing is that even if you prefer cpap mode, you have the apap mode in case you need to test your pressure needs later (we tend to get worse with age). Better to have the options than not.

[Digeeedad]

Thanks for the great replies folks!

[Wulfman...]

I'm within 2 weeks new, having a ResMed S9 Autoset. For the previous 5 years, I had a ResMed S8 Elite. I'm noticing that when using the S9 in Autoset, it indicates that my AHI is hovering around 7-8s, with the average pressure being in the low 15s, using the pressure range of 12-18. Tonight, I used the S9 in CPAP mode setting the pressure at my prescribed 14. AHI was 1.1 Are some people more sensitive to the fluctuating pressures of autoset, doing better using the CPAP mode? I would assume that the Autoset mode would ultimately be the better option... maybe taking a while to get used to? The autoset was definitely more comfortable, as when awake for me the difference between presssures 12 and 14 is very noticeable. I do not have Sleepyhead, not sure I want to, as I'm more than a little obsessive by nature and know that I'd get all transfixed!

I'm one of those who is disturbed by the pressure changes. And, I frequently recommend to those using a range of pressures (and who complain about the fact that they're still tired and not seeing any improvement in their therapy) to try a straight pressure to see if their sleep quality improves.

The range of pressures (APAP mode) is AN option.....but not necessarily the "better" one. That's for the user to determine.

I'd strongly recommend using software to review your data......either ResScan or Sleepyhead.


Den

.

[Digeeedad]

Thanks Den...

[hyperlexis]

If you are in two weeks of it then I would hold off and, if you are paying through insurance, get the S10 instead. Why go with the last gen model if you can get the S10? If paying cash then yes, you can get a good close-out bargain on the S9, but otherwise, at least check out the new, smaller S10.

[chunkyfrog]

Do NOT let anyone sell you the Airsense 10 "Cpap"
This model is the current brick, missing vital information--by design.

[cathyf]

Do NOT let anyone sell you the Airsense 10 "Cpap"
This model is the current brick, missing vital information--by design.

I have a prescription for a setting of 7-20, and I am still waiting for my A10, which is supposed to be an AutoPAP from the phone conversations I have had. Is there any way that they can try to pawn off the brick on me? Like there is no way to program a straight CPAP for 7-20, right?

[Pugsy]

I have a prescription for a setting of 7-20, and I am still waiting for my A10, which is supposed to be an AutoPAP from the phone conversations I have had. Is there any way that they can try to pawn off the brick on me? Like there is no way to program a straight CPAP for 7-20, right?

Right.
The brick A10 CPAP is a fixed single pressure machine and there is no way to set it to give you the range of pressures your RX states.