[Equipment] Advantages/Disadvantages of APAP versus CPAP

[robysue]

From my limited experience, AHI is always lower on AutoSet mode and more significantly no central apnea, while higher AHI and few centrals apnea on CPAP mode.

Like so many things in PAP therapy, there's a big variation from user to user. I based my original comments on what I've seen in both this and other forums in both my data and others.

For me: Fixed pressure will give me excellent AHI results---if the pressure is set high enough. For my BiPAP, that means running with a fixed IPAP = 8 and a fixed EPAP = 6. And my stomach is deeply uncomfortable at those pressures. So in my case, I sleep better and feel better with a tight Auto BiPAP range, even though the AHI numbers are not as good. (There is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to AHI numbers---many of us feel equally good with a long term AHI in the 1.5-2.5 range as we do with a long term AHI in the 0.0-1.0 range.)

[zonk]

In my case, easier to optimize pressure setting on AutoSet mode than CPAP mode, as the S9 AutoSet on Autoset mode can distinguish between apnea events (obstructive and central apnea) and treat them differently. While on CPAP mode, the machine can also distinguish between obstructive and central apnea but cannot treat them differently as the pressure stay constant all night and every night

That is news to me: Back in 2010 when I still had an S9 AutoSet, it distinguished between CAs and OAs regardless of whether I was using the machine in Auto mode or CPAP mode.

Why ... c'est la meme chose

[weeble]

As a new user a few years ago, I was prescribed a cpap. Had to have various studies to fine tune the right pressure for me. In Oct last year, I bit the bullet and bought an auto (both resmed s9's). I haven't had a better quality sleep with the auto but I do like it, I like the fact that it does adjust to the pressure range I need as opposed to fixed pressure and it's good to see the data with the adjustments, but as others have said, if the auto doesn't work for you, you can set it to fixed pressure. 2 machines in 1. Good luck

[Mutineer]

Thanks for your feedback guys, I realise now that I've got a lot to learn with my therapy but by monitoring this site regularly I'm sure I'll eventually get there.