Why Auto Bipap instead of Bipap?

[hopefulsleeper]

Why would one prefer usage of auto-bipap instead of bipap at the highest pressure required? Are there any side-effects of having a higher pressure all the time (eg. 14/10)?

[C0mbe]

Well, I prefer auto because it's more comfortable. The machine can stay at lower presures and raise as necessary, making it more comfortable over the course of the night.

Also, and perhaps more importantly is that your pressure needs can change based on diet, alcohol, weight, etc, and an auto machine is better suited to provide for these fluctuations.

That doesn't mean that an auto machine is for everyone. Some find a constant pressure more comfortable. Folks with central apnea can find that an auto machine can exacerbate their centrals.

I don't think there are really any adverse issues with high pressure other than it's not always as tolerated as lower tempuratures.

[Sleeprider]

I prefer auto bilevel and have used both Philips and Resmed versions. My strategy in auto bilevel is to use an effective pressure that results in no more than 3-4 cm variation through a normal night. While I would do reasonably well with fixed bilevel of 15/12, I do better with auto bilevel of 18/9 over PS 3 or in the case of Philips, PS 2-5. This starts me at 12/9 and most nights will vary up to 15/12 as needed, with rare excursions to 18/15. It's not disruptive and results in a lower event rate for me than fixed bilevel.