Airsense 10 Autoset CPAP vs Autoset mode

[GreenCan99]

I just started with an Airsense 10 Autoset and was playing around with it a little. I got into the clinical settings menu and noticed that my machine is set to CPAP mode rather than Autoset mode. I'm assuming this was done because my doctor wrote a script saying the pressure should be 12, and that's what the supply company did. I understand the basics of the Autoset mode, it was one of the things that sounded appealing about the machine when I was researching, but there a significant benefit to it?

Since I'm just starting out and getting used to things I figure I'd just go with what I've got but if it's worth changing, I want to talk to my doctor about getting it updated. I know I could change it myself, but due to the totally scummy DME company model, I won't own the machine for another three months and I can do without the hassle of them complaining to me or remotely updating things (assuming that's possible).

[jimbud]

Yes there is a significant advantage to Autoset. Especially when you first start.
It allows you to titrate your therapy to get the best pressures for you.

Your scummy DME can not change your pressures without your doctor or your permission.

It is up to you to decide. It is your health at stake.

With the advice of the experts on here you can speed up optimum therapy.

JPB

Before anyone gets excited about me using the word titrate, this is what I mean.
I know it is a hijacked term.

A CPAP titration study is a type of in-lab sleep study used to calibrate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP is a common treatment used to manage sleep-related breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and hypoventilation and hypoxemia.

[kteague]

Generally the goal is to use the lowest pressure needed for therapeutic treatment. That's because with higher pressures issues can develop with things like mask leaks or air in the belly causing cramping. If one is not bothered by their straight pressure, I don't see a need to rock the boat. People who do better in auto mode are often those who need a higher pressure only part of the time, but the rest of the time are ok at a lower, more comfortable, and maybe even less problematic pressure. Some common reasons for fluctuations in pressure needs are back sleeping and REM stage sleep. When my pressure needs were lower, I used both an auto and a cpap with very similar results. When a straight 11 would keep my events at nearly non existent, I left well enough alone. Once I needed more pressure my perspective changed. If you're not having trouble, maybe waiting to experiment till there's no hassle with the DME would be ok. However, if you are having difficulties that changing the treatment mode might resolve, may just have to rock the boat.

[K5MOW]

Generally the goal is to use the lowest pressure needed for therapeutic treatment. That's because with higher pressures issues can develop with things like mask leaks or air in the belly causing cramping. If one is not bothered by their straight pressure, I don't see a need to rock the boat. People who do better in auto mode are often those who need a higher pressure only part of the time, but the rest of the time are ok at a lower, more comfortable, and maybe even less problematic pressure. Some common reasons for fluctuations in pressure needs are back sleeping and REM stage sleep. When my pressure needs were lower, I used both an auto and a cpap with very similar results. When a straight 11 would keep my events at nearly non existent, I left well enough alone. Once I needed more pressure my perspective changed. If you're not having trouble, maybe waiting to experiment till there's no hassle with the DME would be ok. However, if you are having difficulties that changing the treatment mode might resolve, may just have to rock the boat.

For me I do best on just CPAP 11cm. I have a Autoset but don't use it. I just use the CPAP option. I have been on 11cm now for 13 years.

Roger

[palerider]

For me I do best on just CPAP 11cm.

There's no evidence to support that you do "best" there, see below.

I have been on 11cm now for 13 years.

You've never experienced a modern automatic machine.

[K5MOW]

For me I do best on just CPAP 11cm.

There's no evidence to support that you do "best" there, see below.

I have been on 11cm now for 13 years.

You've never experienced a modern automatic machine.

Yes you could be right but the three sleep studies show that I do best on 11cm. I understand that the three sleep studies I have went in to the sleep lab over the years showed that it is best to stay on just CPAP. This is what the Dr. told me when I ask about trying the Auto Set. This however was about 5 years ago now since my last sleep study in the sleep lab. It how ever would be interesting for me to just try it on my own.

Not sure how I would set my settings. Is there any suggestions on what I would start out at in auto sent for me if I wanted to try it.

Thanks Roger

[Wulfman...]

I just started with an Airsense 10 Autoset and was playing around with it a little. I got into the clinical settings menu and noticed that my machine is set to CPAP mode rather than Autoset mode. I'm assuming this was done because my doctor wrote a script saying the pressure should be 12, and that's what the supply company did. I understand the basics of the Autoset mode, it was one of the things that sounded appealing about the machine when I was researching, but there a significant benefit to it?

Since I'm just starting out and getting used to things I figure I'd just go with what I've got but if it's worth changing, I want to talk to my doctor about getting it updated. I know I could change it myself, but due to the totally scummy DME company model, I won't own the machine for another three months and I can do without the hassle of them complaining to me or remotely updating things (assuming that's possible).

This is really something that the individual user needs to find out for themselves.......which mode and settings treat them better.
It's VERY important that you use software to monitor your therapy to see the results.
The thing you need to remember is that the algorithms of the APAP machines depend on detecting Flow Limitations and Snores to increase pressures. Then, the pressure increases MAY take awhile to get from its current setting to where it needs to be.......then, it usually returns to the lowest pressure setting and starts over again.
Some people may or may not have the precursor events to increase pressures.
You need to set the minimum pressure at the point where it prevents the vast majority of events.
For some people, straight pressure is easier to tolerate than the changing pressures all night long.
Changing pressures MAY disturb the user's sleep.

Again, it's up to YOU to determine which settings work best for YOU. After all, it's YOUR therapy.

Personally, I found that I do better with straight pressure, even though I own several APAP machines.


Den

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[RobertS975]

I did 5+ years on an S9 Elite at a steady 10cm pressure, virtually 100% of the time using a p10.. In general, the AHI scores were great, mostly under 1.0 with frequent "no hitters" which is what I call a night with an AHI of 0.0. After 5 years, got a new S10 Autoset pressures 7-15 cm (Switched over to a n30i). AHI scores have deteriorated slightly with some nights as high as 2 or 3. Mostly they are under 2.0. I have checked to see how high pressures go, and they often go as high as 13.0 cm, virtually never higher.

I had no complaints with straight CPAP and I really have no complaints with changing pressures either.

[palerider]

For me I do best on just CPAP 11cm.

There's no evidence to support that you do "best" there, see below.

I have been on 11cm now for 13 years.

You've never experienced a modern automatic machine.

Yes you could be right but the three sleep studies show that I do best on 11cm

Sleep studies are very often wrong, they're a brief snapshot of time, conducted in very alien surroundings, also likely just a small portion of the night, They get you sleeping fine "at 11", for an hour or so, and call that "best", without regard to the fact that your sleep changes hour by hour, and night by night.

Not sure how I would set my settings. Is there any suggestions on what I would start out at in auto sent for me if I wanted to try it.

Absolutely, I'd start at 11 minimum, and 20 max, and see what happens. If the pressure is really flat all night long for a few nights, the drop the min to 10, and repeat. keep dropping it till there's some (but not too much) variation in the pressure trace throughout the night.

11 might be a good "this pressure covers everything" pressure for you, and you could spend a lot of the night with less... or there may be exceptions that the machine would go higher than 11 with.