should i get a cpap or apap? feeling exhausted all the time

i just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. can sleep apnea make a person feel exahusted and also not able to function? everything seems so hard to do like cleaning and i cant focus or think straight etc. i dont have my machine as of yet but someone mentioned to get something called a apap instead of the cpap machine, does anyone no why that would be better and if it matters which one i get? thanks

cuteangel1963 wrote:i just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. can sleep apnea make a person feel exahusted and also not able to function? everything seems so hard to do like cleaning and i cant focus or think straight etc. i dont have my machine as of yet but someone mentioned to get something called a apap instead of the cpap machine, does anyone no why that would be better and if it matters which one i get? thanks

Should you do CPAP? Do you want to live?

Yes, feeling tired and not able to function is one of the best indicators you have apnea.

Did you have an in-lab sleep test? See if you can get a copy of your results. The test is usually pretty conclusive. If it says you have apnea, you do.

Check the links in my signature line. There are links to more info there. You will probably be buying your CPAP from a DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider.) Many DME's will try to screw you with a substandard machine. The links in my signature line will help you figure out how to not get screwed.

Most important is to get a fully data capable machine. A data capable machine records data and is like a mini sleep test every night. Many DME's will try and sell you a "brick," a machine that collects very little data.

Buy a APAP machine. You can use it in a CPAP mode if required. APAP machine will vary pressure according the extend of air way blockage. Some people can sleep throught this change in pressures while others like to have it in CPAP mode which is a fixed pressure. Buy a machine which enables you to change settings according to your requirement.

An APAP machine gives you CPAP for free, not the other way around.

Apaps can be run on either apap or cpap mode--2 machines in one.
With cpap, you only have one mode; and if you have a "remstar ___ plus" or a "ResMed _____ Escape",
or some other bottom-level device, you have a "brick" and will be operating in the dark, so to speak.
The apap -with full therapy data will allow you easily to find your ideal pressure settings,
to ensure your best combination of treatment and comfort even if your needs change. (weight loss, etc.)

I'm one who feels the auto is the best bang for your buck, being as is gives you treatment options and more data, but that for the average person a CPAP with data is a very respectable option. What is not respectable is a machine that shows only usage hours. Do be careful. There is a ResMed Auto with the word Escape in it - that is not the auto you want. It's auto feature is limited and you end up basically with a CPAP. When this is all new, and especially when one is sleep deprived and having memory issues, it is best to not depend on remembering the nuances of the many names. Write things down, or better yet, print them out. Ideally one could ask the provider in advance the exact and full machine name they plan to dispense so you can preempt future hassle. This gives you time to ask here and get tips on how to handle things. Just don't accept any machine until you are certain of what you're getting. Much easier to not have to fight for an exchange. And please don't accept what they tell you at face value. The personnel are not always trained in the various machines and may tell you it records data, which technically the usage hours are data. Go by exact machine names. Maybe you'll get lucky and your provider only dispenses the higher end machines. It does happen. Let us know how things progress.

cuteangel1963 wrote:i just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. can sleep apnea make a person feel exahusted and also not able to function? everything seems so hard to do like cleaning and i cant focus or think straight etc. i dont have my machine as of yet but someone mentioned to get something called a apap instead of the cpap machine, does anyone no why that would be better and if it matters which one i get? thanks

Autos (APAPs) aren't necessarily "better", but they're more versatile. You have more setting options with them.
I actually have four APAPs myself, but run all of them in straight pressure (CPAP mode) as the pressure changes when run in a range of pressures disrupt my sleep.


Den

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One more vote for APAP.
I personally would not accept less.
There are several different models available, but to add to your confusion Resmed will be releasing their new model A10 on Monday.