For Rested Gal or Muck

There are different autotitrating CPAP's correct?

Question: What besides c-flex is the difference between the various models of APAPs. Is it true that certain auto's key in on certain problems, I hope you understand this question.

hhunt

Each auto-pap has it own algorithm (formula) for reacting to sleep disordered breathing events. The actual strengths and weaknesses of each are not public knowledge and are protected trade secrets. -SWS can, I'm sure, provide further explaination.

Sorry that I originally missed this post. I did finally catch up with hhunt via PM, and wanted to include my answer here. I concur with what Muck said, but wanted to share this part of our AutoPAP discussion:

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Hi, Heidi. The short answer is that there are always several ways to skin a cat---and each of the three most popular AutoPAPs skin the same apneic cat differently.

The long answer could literally fill a book. Honestly! Each of the AutoPAPs have their subtle algorithmic strengths and weaknesses. Each of the big three "modern" AutoPAPs will work well for most patients, yet fail for other patients because of algorithmic differences. Since you had a few unaddressed hypopneas with the Spirit, I would suggest considering either the 420e or the Remstar Auto with C-Flex.

There is no great way to tell how any one AutoPAP will suit a patient short of actually trying it. You already tried the Spirit, and if you were to keep that AutoPAP model, you would very likely have needed to raise your bottom pressure to stave off those unaddressed hypopneas. Between the RemStar Auto and 420e, the RemStar Auto will spend more time proactively staying at elevated pressures to stave off subsequent events. The C-Flex feature will help to counter pressure-related discomfort (or simply increase comfort if no "discomfort" is perceived). The 420e will strive to address an event then get pressure back down more quickly than the Remstar Auto. For some patients the RemStar Auto approach is the better of the two, for other patients the 420e approach is the better of the two---and for most patients either approach will do.

There are many physiological variables in sleep disordered breathing----and there are many variables in AutoPAP sleep-event detection and pressure treatment design. Those two sets of variables interact with countless permutations, which is why any given patient's reaction to a certain AutoPAP model cannot be predicted.

I hope I have helped more than confused...