Why Auto over CPAP?

[mjbearit]

Oh I can take this one. :-)

Thanks. I take your point. Sometimes I wonder if I'd be better off with an APAP.

I know where you can get one!

[zonk]

Comparison between automatic and fixed positive airway pressure therapy in the home.

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use and outcomes can be improved by an autotitrating CPAP device in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) who require higher CPAP (10 cm H2O or more). In this multisite randomized single-blind cross-over study, 44 patients (mean age, 49 +/- 10 years) were randomized to 6 weeks at laboratory-determined fixed pressure and 6 weeks on autotitrating CPAP. Average nightly use was greater in automatic mode (306 versus 271 minutes, p = 0.005); median and 95th centile pressures in automatic mode were lower (p < 0.002). Automatic CPAP resulted in better SF-36 Vitality scores (65 +/- 20 versus 58 +/- 23, p < 0.05) and mental health scores (80 +/- 14 versus 75 +/- 18, p < 0.05), but no significant difference in Epworth score (p = 0.065). During automatic therapy, patients reported more restful sleep, better quality sleep, less discomfort from pressure, and less trouble getting to sleep for both the first week of therapy and for the averaged scores for Weeks 2-6 (all p values < 0.006). Patients who require higher fixed CPAP use autotitrating CPAP more and report greater benefit from this therapy.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12406...t=Abstract

[JJJ]

What is an Epworth score? (Too lazy too Google.)

[mjbearit]

What is an Epworth score? (Too lazy too Google.)

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness. A score of 10 or more is considered sleepy. A score of 18 or more is very sleepy. If you score 10 or more on this test, you should consider whether you are obtaining adequate sleep, need to improve your sleep hygiene and/or need to see a sleep specialist. These issues should be discussed with your personal physician.

Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:

0 = would never doze or sleep.
1 = slight chance of dozing or sleeping
2 = moderate chance of dozing or sleeping
3 = high chance of dozing or sleeping
Print out this test, fill in your answers and see where you stand.

Situation Chance of Dozing or Sleeping
Sitting and reading
____
Watching TV
____
Sitting inactive in a public place
____
Being a passenger in a motor vehicle for an hour or more
____
Lying down in the afternoon
____
Sitting and talking to someone
____
Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol)
____
Stopped for a few minutes in traffic
while driving
____
Total score (add the scores up)
(This is your Epworth score)
____

[zonk]

What is an Epworth score? (Too lazy too Google.)

Apnea Board Wiki
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php..._%28ESS%29

You can take the test here on Apnea Board
http://www.apneaboard.com/sleep-apnea-in...iness-test

[zimlich]

Bigron. Whatever works best and keeps you comfortable. I prefer CPAP.

[SuperSleeper]

For further info, our "Big Discussion" on Autos vs. constant-pressure CPAP is here:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...han-a-CPAP

(the first few pages were copied from our old Apnea Board forum)

[zonk]

IMO an auto is a blessing even somebody like me can make minor adjustment and achieve better therapy and yes data capable machines that shows efficacy data (AHI and leak) is important and essential diagnostic tool to make any adjustment if needed. just my 2 cents