How does an APAP work?

I've recently received an APAP (Resmed autoset Spirit) to see what my pressure should be set at. It's currently at a minimum pressure of 6 and a max of 10. How does an APAP work? When I turn it on, and don't choose the settling option, it starts increasing very quickly all the way to 10 and just stays there. Should it not be doing that? Is there something wrong with it?? How does an APAP normally work? Will it start at the min pressure and increase as it needs to? Does it go to the max pressure and decrease as it needs to? I'm just trying to figure out if this thing is working properly. The last 2 nights, when I checked my stats in the morning both nights it said the pressure was at 10, which doesn't seem right to me.

I started out using a Hybrid mask... but after the first night it was reported that the mask was leaking a ton. So, I switched to my Swift, and taped my mouth last night. Now I have a good mask seal, but still it stays at a pressure of 10, and I still feel horrible. Any suggestions?

Originally, my pressure was set with a CPAP for 7. I think 10 is just too much... but 7 is not enough. That's why I have the APAP... to figure out what is best. But, I can't really do that if it just stays at 10 all night, can I?

I really need help here.... I can't seem to win... CPAP/APAP therapy just doesn't seem to work for me and I don't understand why! I have tried many masks, different machines, etc etc etc etc etc. It's been over a year and a half... and I still sleep like total crap. My results from the last 2 nights are below:

Night 1:

Mask Fit: Poor
Pressure: 10.0
Usage: 8:12 hrs
Leak: .50
AI : 0.2
AHI: 2.3

Night 2:

Mask Fit: Excellent
Pressure: 10.0
Leak: .26
AHI: 5.73
HI : 2.1



I'm frustrated and need help. Can anyone tell me how to make sure this Spirit is working properly? I really need some sleep! Help!!! Thanks very much in advance.

Nate, (I also saw your post on the ASAA site)

Are you SURE your machine is set to Auto mode? I wonder if you have your terminology straight.....(as in)...If you machine is set to a fixed pressure of 10 and the lower numbers you mentioned (6 or 7) are actually where your Ramp is starting. That would account for it climbing up to the pressure of 10 and staying there. In other words, I don't think it's set up as an Auto.

Was 10 your titrated pressure?
How many nights have you been using it (this machine)?......2?
If so, that's not long and it may take a little more time for the numbers to drop.
ONE night with your mouth taped and you expect to feel like you did before you got OSA?
If your problem was air leaking out your mouth, that would account for your not receiving proper therapy all this time and not feeling better.

Once you get all of the pieces of this puzzle in place, it takes time to undo the effects of OSA and start feeling better.

Your numbers don't look all THAT bad......give it some more time.

Den