WHY use CPAP when APAP works well for you?

Ligament · Post by **Ligament** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:02 pm

Hello All,

Wondering why one would use standard CPAP if one does well on APAP. Assuming one has an APAP with a good algorhythm, it seems like there are many advantages to just use APAP all the time.

Comments?

Thanks!

texan27028 · Post by **texan27028** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:16 pm

Ligament,

In my case, I wasn't given a choice. If the CPAP didn't work for me, then they would have tried me on other machines like a BiPAP or APAP. If I couldn't handle the other machines then they would consider surgery. And since I'm new to all of this I've kinda followed where the DME and the Insurance led me. Maybe in the future I'll spring for the machine that I want.

However, I've not had any problems with the CPAP (other than getting used to using a machine .... ANY machine at night). I really don't know what it is like to be on the other machines. Since I'm doing well on CPAP, I probably won't change until this one gives out. I would like to have downloadable software to monitor how I'm doing, but with the Resmed S7 Lightweight, that ain't gonna happen.

Richard

Tampa Tom · Post by **Tampa Tom** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:21 pm

For me, I noticed a huge change. The CPAP is at max pressure all the time (unless you use the ramp feature), while an APAP will track your needs all night and adjust the pressure to what you need.

I found the APAP far more comfortable than the CPAP I am on...

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:52 pm

May I refer you to another thread discussing this very topic?

Click on:

CPAP vs. APAP

Everyone has a little bit different experience with any given machine!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:02 pm

Hi Ligament,

The link neversleeps posted goes to a very good discussion of some pros and cons about why some people do better on a single fixed pressure than on any autopap.

However, since your question had a qualifier in it..."if one does well on APAP"... I'd say there's no reason (other than price) to settle for a cpap if a person tries an autopap and does well on it. There are a lot of good reasons to use an autopap instead of cpap, if a person tries an autopap and does well on it, imho.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:03 pm

my sleep doc keeps trying to switch me back to CPAP from APAP, after I fought to get an APAP, which I think just ruins his credibility.

My APAP stays most of the night at the bottom end of my current setting, which is 5cm, only very occasionally spiking up to 10cm, and that is oddly when I am just sort of dozing when waking up. I have lately been having just 1 to 3 apnea episodes PER NIGHT, so it must be working darn good.

My doc would have set a CPAP at 9cm, giving too much pressure for most of the night and too little pressure the rest of the night.

As I was saying....it just sorta shoots down his credibility.......

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:08 pm

Nobody likes the thought of being replaced by a machine. If it works in the auto industry why not the medical industry . Sorry doc.

:twist ed:

Ligament · Post by **Ligament** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:42 pm

Sorry, there have been plenty of discussions on this topic, no more responses needed. Thanks!

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:22 pm

Is there an auto machine that allows itself to be set to CPAP mode (which would allow comparisons) ?.

I have been contemplating a RemStar Auto w/cflex & heated humi but the more I read here the more inclined I am to go to the Pro model with a reader & the software and further considering an auto if it can be set to switch modes (CPAP to APAP) if required.

Any comments re this would be helpful to myself while I still have time before the purchase.

Tks

DSM

Ionizer · Post by **Ionizer** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:31 pm

All Autos may be operated in straight cpap mode .

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:36 pm

Yep! And if you get the REMstar Auto with CFlex, you have 4 setting options:

Auto mode with CFlex
Auto mode without Cflex
Cpap mode with CFlex
Cpap mode without Cflex

Then of course, there are the varying degrees of pressure relief within the CFlex setting.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 10:27 pm

Amazing how much one can learn in such a short time. Today as been a very good learning day in this forum & is likely influence my purchase decisions significantly.

Many thanks to the comments re APAP machines being able to run in CPAP mode. Logic says that if I buy one of them now, I don't have to try to come up with the $s later.

Cheers

DSM

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 10:40 pm

It just occurred to me that buying an APAP may? require the doctor's prescription to say so ?

Here in Australia, I don't need a prescription to buy a CPAP machine just a note from the sleep studies clinic stating the machine settings & mask requirements. However I plan to purchase in the US via Internet & have had it explained that I do need a valid doctor's prescription and must *fax* it through before making a purchase even though the item is being sent off shore - US law I was told. So I have asked my doctor to supply me with a formal prescription.

I was advised that it must be specific re the type of humidifier. The phrases I asked the doctor to make clear were ...

1) My full name
2) "CPAP machine preset to 15 cms H2O"
3) "with Heated Humidifier"

So my next question is, do doctors writing these prescriptions in the US specify an AUTO machine or just CPAP & leave it open as to if it is AUTO or not ?

Am keen to have all issues addressed correctly before the purchase.

Cheers

DSM

bigheadr · Post by **bigheadr** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 10:41 pm

I agree with you folks. It doesn't make sense why sleep clinics don't just prescribe APAPs. I believe that they just want you to visit their clinics again to pay for another visit.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:38 am

[quote="dsm"]It just occurred to me that buying an APAP may? require the doctor's prescription to say so ?

Here in Australia, I don't need a prescription to buy a CPAP machine just a note from the sleep studies clinic stating the machine settings & mask requirements. However I plan to purchase in the US via Internet & have had it explained that I do need a valid doctor's prescription and must *fax* it through before making a purchase even though the item is being sent off shore - US law I was told. So I have asked my doctor to supply me with a formal prescription.

I was advised that it must be specific re the type of humidifier. The phrases I asked the doctor to make clear were ...

1) My full name
2) "CPAP machine preset to 15 cms H2O"
3) "with Heated Humidifier"

So my next question is, do doctors writing these prescriptions in the US specify an AUTO machine or just CPAP & leave it open as to if it is AUTO or not ?

Am keen to have all issues addressed correctly before the purchase.

Cheers

DSM

WHY use CPAP when APAP works well for you?

WHY use CPAP when APAP works well for you?

Very helpful

Another obvious question.

Re: Another obvious question.