Hi,

I'm on the way to the sleep specialist in a couple of hours and trying to figure out which machine I'd like to get.  From what I gather, it makes sense to ask the doctor if the new CPAP bells and whistles would be advantageous.  After doing some reading online, it seems like AUTO CPAP is the way to go.  On the plus side, it looks like APAP can reduce some side effects by lessening the pressure when you don't need it.  On the minus side, I don't see anything aside from price, since you can switch the APAP into CPAP mode if need be.  Now for the questions:

(1) During my titration study, the lab used (and now recommends) a pressure of 6 cm.  Does it make sense to go with an APAP given that the pressure is pretty low?  Another thread suggested that setting an APAP at 4 cm might even feel like you're suffocating.  

(2) On the flip side, does APAP typically need to go above your recommended pressure?  In other words, I was titrated at 6 CM.  Presumably, if I get (non-AUTO) CPAP, they'll set the machine to 6 cm.  If I were to get AUTO, they'll set the range slightly above 6 cm, right?  Could this be helpful?  

I am sort of new, and probably shouldn't give advice. However, I have an APAP (for a month or so). I was titrated at 10cm and it never has gone above that, and stays at 6cm most of the time.
All of the advice I have gotten is to get the AutoPap.( There is going to be a cost difference for me, since the insurance only pays for CPAP.)
Also, I have never felt suffocated..especially at 4cm or 6cm. I can barely tell it's on at those pressures!

I've been on APAP for 4 years.  Currently, Remstar Auto.
I use Encore Pro Software to get my statistics.  My pressure averages 4.3.  I'm under 6 96% of the time.  I have no problems using APAP at these low pressures.  No suffocating feeling ever.

sleepydog wrote:

Hi,

I'm on the way to the sleep specialist in a couple of hours and trying to figure out which machine I'd like to get.  From what I gather, it makes sense to ask the doctor if the new CPAP bells and whistles would be advantageous.  After doing some reading online, it seems like AUTO CPAP is the way to go.  On the plus side, it looks like APAP can reduce some side effects by lessening the pressure when you don't need it.  On the minus side, I don't see anything aside from price, since you can switch the APAP into CPAP mode if need be.  Now for the questions:

(1) During my titration study, the lab used (and now recommends) a pressure of 6 cm.  Does it make sense to go with an APAP given that the pressure is pretty low?  Another thread suggested that setting an APAP at 4 cm might even feel like you're suffocating.  

(2) On the flip side, does APAP typically need to go above your recommended pressure?  In other words, I was titrated at 6 CM.  Presumably, if I get (non-AUTO) CPAP, they'll set the machine to 6 cm.  If I were to get AUTO, they'll set the range slightly above 6 cm, right?  Could this be helpful?  

Hi Sleepdog,

First off, forget about the machine. Concentrate on the MASK. If its not right then no matter what machine you have there will be problems. The mask is the interface........if you are not comfortable, then cpap therapy will be difficult.

As regards machines, IMHO a pressure setting of 6cms would not warrant the extra cost involved with an APAP. I would suggest that you start with a basic machine and if possible rent it for a few months until you become comfortable and knowledgable about it and your condition. Then, if you feel the need, a change might be looked at.

Its pointless buying an expensive machine to subsequently find out that it doesn't work for you and that you may not get the maximum benefit. 3 months of rental, in the long run, might be the cheapest option overall.

Best of luck

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

I have an APAP which I have been using for nearly 2 weeks and I don't believe the pressure has gone above 7 and it starts at 4.5 and I have no problem with this low pressure.  I can't imagine the pressure at 12 though.

I really don't know about the machine but my ins co won't cover the APAP so I am renting it for a few weeks to get my pressure reading (I never had the titration part of the study done) and then they are switching me to a CPAP.  

Wendy

My insurance covered a CPAP 100% but I wanted an APAP so I came out of pocket a couple hundred bucks, plus I bought the software and reader for another couple of hundred. I was titrated at 9cm so I set the APAP for a range of 5cm to 9cm. It occansionally goes to 8 or 9 but most of the time it's around 5 to 6.5. I sleep most of the time on my side so the lower pressure really helps me sleep. If I roll onto my back the pressure goes up, and I usually wake up.

I agree the mask is very important but don't disregard the machine. However if 6cm is all you need then APAP may be overkill. You'll find it pretty easy to sleep at 6cm.