Should I give up APAP and just go with CPAP?

[alexander]

Edited out.

[alexander]

Edited out.

[OkyDoky]

Sounds like a good plan.

[Wulfman...]

So my question is – if I consistently get good results with CPAP at 8.0 – why should I bother switching to APAP?

APAPs are multi-mode machines with lots of settings options. They're NOT "better" than a straight pressure machine because they also have options for using straight pressure. Some people do better with ranges of pressures and some do better with straight pressure.

Bottom line is......use the settings that work best for YOU.
Back in 2006, after being on a data-capable straight pressure machine for a year, I bought an APAP and used it in a range of pressures for a week. The changing pressures wrecked my sleep and I couldn't wait for that week to end. I switched back to straight pressure after I found out what I needed to know about the "Autos" and about my sleep characteristics. I confirmed that the pressure I had figured out with straight pressure was actually the optimal pressure using the APAP. And, I found out that I didn't have the typical preceding, "predictor" events (Flow Limitations and Snores) that are supposed to trigger pressure increases to prevent Apneas. I had some occasional Flow Limitations and Snores, but very few Apneas, so the pressure changes/increases were chasing "nothing" and were disrupting to my sleep.


Den

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[ChicagoGranny]

But my question remains – do I need APAP with higher pressures when my AHI is consistently at 0.5 with CPAP at 8.0?

If you go by the numbers the machine provides, the answer is you don't need higher pressure.

That’s what I do. I look at the AHI that the machine measures. I also import the results into SleepyHead from the SD-card, and study the results more in depth.

But how do you feel?

Right now – somewhere between zombie and Superman. When starting out with the S9 I had some good and some bad days. The second week I was feeling better than I can ever remember. Then I felt worse because I didn’t have a hydration device. I am gradually feeling better with the new machine.

How many hours per night do you think you sleep?

8–10 hours.

What is your energy level during the day?

Goes pretty much hand in hand with how I feel.

Any sleepiness during the day?

Yes, but I never randomly fall asleep.

Is your condition preventing you from doing some things you want to do?

Yes – reaching my potential and enjoying life. Finding a girlfriend. Performing better at work. Going out and having fun with my friends in the evening. Untreated sleep apnea have affected me by making me feel depressed, and it also caused a lot of anxiety. I’ve been to a psychriatrist and nothing else seems to be the issue. It has not prevented me eating healthy, working out, and forming good habits though.

Do you ---->

- Practice good sleep hygiene (Google it and read several sources)

Yes, I avoid looking at computer/mobile displays in the evening, I drink relaxing tea without caffeine, I keep my bedroom dark and cool, and I try to relax before going to bed.

- Eat a good diet

Yes.

- Have a regular, moderate exercise program

Yes, I run and swim a lot.

- Practice total abstinence of caffeine including sources like chocolate

I drink two cups of caffeined drinks each day – the last one around 14:00 PM. I rarely eat chocolate (or candy).

- Review all medicines, vitamins and supplements you are taking to make sure none are interfering with sleep

I only take what is considered normal supplements. Shouldn’t affect my sleep.

- Optimize emotional stress in your life?

I could meditate more often. I’m not good at that.

If you have any health issues besides sleep apnea, what are they?

That’s my only health issue.

Well, that pretty much covers it. The only advice I can think of is to quit answering nosy questions from strangers on the internet.

[Guest]

Well, that pretty much covers it. The only advice I can think of is to quit answering nosy questions from strangers on the internet.

Okay, grandma.

[Sheffey]

I drink two cups of caffeined drinks each day – the last one around 14:00 PM.

That may be too much. You may want to cut it back to one cup before 12:00 and see if it makes a difference in your energy level the next.

If you decide to do this, it is good to gradually taper off to avoid the withdrawal side effects of headaches. Do 1.5 cups per day for about five days and then cut to one cup.

As far as the value of APAPs, I use a pressure range of 8 - 20. The machine runs around 10 -12 much of the night but there are times when it goes to 16 - 20. I believe this is during REM sleep and my sleep doc is puzzled but says it could be REM.

In any case the APAP is of great value to me because it allows me to sleep at a lower, more comfortable level much of the night, yet it pumps up the pressure to prevent apneas as needed.

If you continue to do so well with CPAP pressure 8, feel blessed.

[Sheffey]

The only advice I can think of is to quit answering nosy questions from strangers on the internet.

But it is sooo much fun.

[Islandwoman]

You can do what I did and adjust apap settings up just one mark only if i noticed I was consistently seeing my pressure graph hitting the highest setting.I now am at 6-11 and have yet to actually l hit the 11. I am often in the lower range which didn't give me a low ahi in the past when set on straight cpap. Try small adjustments and watch your graphs. I was surprised I needed such a low range of pressure.Oonce I felt settled my ahi started dropping and is now usually under one.

[Tatooed Lady]

Consider CPAP like manual transmission, and APAP as an automatic. Which is better? Depends on who is driving, doesn't it? the one that is better for YOU is the one that works better for YOU. Period.

[palerider]

Consider CPAP like manual transmission, and APAP as an automatic. Which is better? Depends on who is driving, doesn't it? the one that is better for YOU is the one that works better for YOU. Period.

do you have to double clutch those cpaps?

[archangle]

There's a lot to be said for tinkering as long as you use a little bit of caution and watch for problems, such as high AHI or developing central apnea. Try it out and see what works for you. As long as the results are good, be happy.

[InsomniacGuy]

This is very off-topic: alexander, are you originally from Norway or did you relocate there?

[alexander]

Edited out.

[ChicagoGranny]

I get the feeling that most on this board are located in the US.

That is true, but we are glad to have you here.