[CPAP] Fixed Pressure vs. Auto Pros and Cons

[Apneaway]

Ya. I think the only reason doctors recommend CPAP is they don't want you to temper with the setting if you don't know how to do it. Theoretically APAP becomes CPAP when you set both the auto Min and Max pressures the same

[Sleeprider]

True you can set the high and low pressure the same to simulate CPAP, but most APAP machines also provide a CPAP mode that has only one pressure.

[livingwithapnea]

I am new, but will share my experiemce. I was on cpap for 3 weeks. My results were better that without, but certainly room for improvement. My numbers were all over the place as well. I am sure much to do with adjusting to the equipment. My RT looked at the numbers, and advised switching to apap, with a range. I was around 16 AHI 2 nights ago, last night i was at 6, and I am sure there is room to do better. Sleepyhead shows where the changes occured and it made corrections ad needed. It was noted above there could be manu factors at play, such as alcohol, stress, eating late, etc. i would go with the auto.

[Dreams of Green]

Thanks everyone. I had read where a few people had sleep disruptions with the auto.

Not in any way disagreeing - but I suspect for a larger percentage of people it would be the opposite, meaning the auto makes it bearable for them. I've never known anything but the luxury of apap and can't imagine how difficult it would be for me if I had to be on fixed. I don't know if I'd have been able to do it.

My pressure is 7 - 13, and it took me a long time to be able to tolerate that 7 (even back when I had auto ramp start at 4 it was a challenge). For me, being able to start at a lower setting and have it increase as needed as I sleep is a God send.

[0rangebear]

Well put 'Maskup Sleepwell'

[zonk]

Not all fixed pressure CPAP's are full data capable machines, if you don't know the difference, you might end up with a brick
If not mistaken, all APAP's are full data capable machines (S9 Escape Auto is the exception). Cost wise, APAP makes better treatment choice, future investment and more Sense. AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her/AutoSet makes better Sense too