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newbie question-constand vs variable pressure
#1
newbie question-constand vs variable pressure
newbie here---question---

why would a provider set the CPAP at a steady pressure rather than use the auto setting with a range, if that is more likely to be in tune with your exhales, etc. is a range better than a constant pressure or does it depend on the person? no problems, just curious and wanting to have the best experience I can. (They set me at a constant pressure of 9).
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#2
RE: newbie question-constand vs variable pressure
I don,t think there is right or wrong answer, once one have gained enough practice and confidence, can experiment and find what works best
The board can provide the necessary tools to make it a successful experience

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#3
RE: newbie question-constand vs variable pressure
Hi Oak,

While it does depend upon the patient's needs, the truth is that the majority of OSA patients would probably do better overall with a data-capable Auto-CPAP set to a range of pressures something like 2-3 cmH20 below and 3-5 cmH20 above their lab-titrated pressure.

That said, if you have an S9 AutoSet or any other auto and they chose to set it up as a single-pressure CPAP (set at a non-changing 9 cmH2O of pressure), it's probably best to try that setting for the first couple of weeks while monitoring your Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) levels during that time to see if it's going to be below 5.0 using that pressure.

If you want, you can always try an auto setting of 7-13 cmH20 range after several days to see if it might be better as far as lowering your overall AHI. If you do that, there is a lot of "tweaking" involved to obtain the best possible range of pressures for you. It really does depend upon the patient and to do anything other than what the doctor or sleep lab recommends requires that you as a patient take a more active role in your own therapy so that you understand how to properly change pressures, as described HERE. If you choose to go that route, we're here to help with any questions you might have. You might also want to request a copy of the Clinician Setup Manual for your machine, by going to THIS PAGE.

You can also go deeper into your CPAP therapy analysis using free software for your PC. You can obtain those HERE.

Also, keep in mind that some misinformed sleep doctors believe that auto-CPAPs are to be avoided because of mistaken belief that they might have "runaway pressures". But the newer machines generally don't have this issue.

SuperSleeper
Apnea Board Administrator
www.ApneaBoard.com


INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.


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