Adaptive servo-ventilation unit vs APAP

[Comfortcomposites]

Is an adaptive servo-ventilation unit the same or similar to an APAP unit?

[Jay51]

I would say no.  The APAP uses a floating EPAP range (like 7-20) that auto adjusts all night during sleep to keep the airway open.  It can raise or lower the EPAP when needed.  EPAP only acts as a stent and keeps the airway open. 

An ASV has pressure support (PS).  EPAP + PS = IPAP.  IPAP is basically the maximum pressure at the end portion of your inhale - the highest pressure the machine gets to.  An ASV can have an auto adjusting EPAP or a static, single settings EPAP though.  PS can help treat things that APAP can't with it's higher PS and IPAP capabilities.  

APAP is generally prescribed for simple obstructive apnea.  ASV is for either central sleep apnea, or mixed (complex sleep apnea) - a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

[Dormeo]

Here is some information about ASVs:

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...tion_(ASV)

I see that you've posted a number of questions about alternatives to CPAP. It would be very helpful to know something about the source of your questions. Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? If yes, can you supply some details? If yes, what problems led you to having a sleep test? If no, what other issues about sleep breathing are on your mind?

[Gideon]

APAP works by managing Obstructive events and responds to them AFTER they occur.
ASV works by maintaining your Minute Vent on the same breath that events are causing it to drop. It is so effective it doesn't even classify events as central. t is principally for idiopathic Central and Complex Apnea and is contra-indicated for certain forms of central apnea.

[paulag1955]

"...Is contra-indicated for certain forms of central apnea."

Why is that? It seems counterintuitive.

[SarcasticDave94]

Asking if CPAP and the auto APAP, BPAP, ST, ST-A, ASV are similar only if you look at cars similarly. There's a basic car that does the job for some. There's a premium model with better comfort, control, power. Then there's an even better model with 2 power levels. Then there's specialty vehicles, work vans, heavy trucks, tractor trailers. Yes they're all vehicles, but the use dictates which is best. Which is info you've not shared.

Circling back to Apnea devices, the APAP is just above basic therapy, while the ASV is for specifically treating Central or mixed Apnea.

So with all the combined threads and posts asking about alternatives to CPAP therapy, shall we suppose there's apnea you've been diagnosed with and don't want CPAP? Somewhat random questions such as APAP vs ASV, and other alternatives doesn't give us much to go with in assisting you.

We can certainly assist much more accurately with more info. We're data driven folks. Your sleep study looks like...? The diagnosis was...? The symptoms are...?

[Gideon]

Contra-indicated for things like neurological disorders because ASV targets a moving average Vnt rate and not a fixed target. In this case, the neurological issue would cause the moving average (target) to go down because of less spontaneous effort. It depends on what is causing the central, not the fact that the central exists.

There are other situations as well but the common factor is that ASV is contraindicated in any case where a diminishing volume may be present.

[paulag1955]

Got it, thanks.

[SarcasticDave94]

Is OP just here to advertise for his product?

https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...nt-Pending

[OpalRose]

It seems that way!