Can someone tell me the differnc between these machines. I have a 2nd sleep study on Monday, and I am sure I wil have to have one or the other. My doctor said from looking at the first sleep study, I had 54 apneas per hour, and 202 arroulsals in 356 minutes of sleep. 94 legg movements. So as you guys are in the know and I am not, looks like I am in for the mask? I have been reading about the diffrent ones, and I want the best I can get. I have a good doctor, and he will write whatever I ask. Any suggestions?

Ambrola wrote:

Can someone tell me the differnc between these machines. I have a 2nd sleep study on Monday, and I am sure I wil have to have one or the other. My doctor said from looking at the first sleep study, I had 54 apneas per hour, and 202 arroulsals in 356 minutes of sleep. 94 legg movements. So as you guys are in the know and I am not, looks like I am in for the mask? I have been reading about the diffrent ones, and I want the best I can get. I have a good doctor, and he will write whatever I ask. Any suggestions?

Hi Ambrola,

There have been many interesting posts on this subject recently.

In short CPAP, the key word being Continuous means that air is contiuously flowing at a predetermined pressure. APAP, the key word being Auto means that a machine with a built in algorithim builds up a sleep profile and attempts to detect a possible apnoea event, at this time it releases sufficient air to clear the event.

CPAP is the original, tried and tested. APAP, depending on the manufacturer, works on 2 different algorithims at present. Both claiming to be the best. One works on air flow, the other on obstructions. Quite a lot of sleep doctors (most quite eminent) are still out to lunch on APAP as tests have proven that they (APAPs) might not clear all apnoea events.

The CPAP companies that manufacture APAP machines and the DME companies that sell them to patients think that they are the greatest and would love everyone to use them........it just might have something to do with the price  

For myself, CPAP is king, a bit of a b!#$% to get used to but certainly very worthwhile. I think that if CPAP doesn't work for me I can always try APAP, but if I start with APAP, where do I go if it doesn't work......!!!!  

Before signing off......the most important thing is the mask (interface). You must spend ALL your time getting the right mask and fit, because if the mask ain't right you can rest assured nothing will be right......no matter what machine you have. Be very careful in your selection.

Daniel


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

(Anon)