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+--- Thread: cpap vs apap mode (/Thread-cpap-vs-apap-mode)
cpap vs apap mode - sheepless - 04-26-2018
what is the difference between a cpap setting of, say, 12 versus an apap setting of min 12 max 12? looks like epr works in both modes. there must be a difference, or why have two modes?
and what are the comparative advantages disadvantages of these two modes? when/why would someone choose one over the other?
thanks.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - Crimson Nape - 04-26-2018
Using your example, there wouldn't be any difference. In fact, using those settings of 12/12 in auto mode is defeating its purpose. The reason for the Auto mode is because most people don't require the same pressure during a sleep session. You normally set the CPAP to the lowest pressure required to prevent normal (50%) hypopneas and apneas for comfort. You then set the higher pressure limit high enough to address the occasional more obstructive events.
With that said, some people don't respond well to the pressure changes of the Auto mode and can cause arousals. They would then choose the CPAP mode.
The only other "feature" that is available in the CPAP mode is if you are using EPR. In the CPAP mode, you are provided a inhale ramp response of either, Normal or Fast. This is how fast the CPAP returns to inhale pressure from the exhale pressure. By default this feature is set to Normal. In the Fast setting and the EPR set to 3, you can make your FFM appear to be alive.
I hope I've explained this well enough.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - Melman - 04-26-2018
The APAP mode is to allow the machine to vary the pressure in response to your needs to prevent obstructive apneas but the min and max pressures are not the same. Mine, for example, are 9 and 14. My SleepyHead graphs shows that the pressure rises and falls throughout the night. The CPAP, fixed pressure mode, is for those who are better treated with fixed pressure. APAP mode with a min and max of 12 would be no different than CPAP set at 12.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - Walla Walla - 04-26-2018
In auto mode with the same pressures you get get tracking of flow limitations and snores. In fixed mode you don't get those reports because fix mode doesn't need them to adjust pressure like in auto mode.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - sheepless - 04-26-2018
that all makes sense. just thought if apap 12/12 is exactly same as cpap 12, there would be no need to have a cpap mode. my resmed autoset doesn't seem to have that Normal/Fast option, at least not in the main clinician's menu or in the epr settings. I don't use the ramp at all so if it's there, maybe why I don't see it. I understand variable versus fixed pressure although after trying both I don't know whether I respond better to one or the other - I often have too many unresolved apneas - even at apap max 20 - and apnea and/or leak associated awakenings whether fixed at 12 or auto at 12 - 20 (for example). don't think I can handle fixed pressure higher than 13.4 at least not with nasal pillows - higher pressures (and even lower pressures above 10 sometimes) blow my lips open; my wife complains about noise, I get frequent awakenings and a drool-soaked beard. yuk.
ahh. I send my last post before seeing your reply, W2.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - OpalRose - 04-26-2018
(04-26-2018, 06:40 PM)sheepless Wrote: I often have too many unresolved apneas - even at apap max 20.
If you post a #SleepyHead screenshot of the daily page here, we can try to help with those unresolved apneas. Follow the links in my signature line.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - sheepless - 04-26-2018
thanks, OR. will do, as soon as I figure out how (I have to re-read the steps I've seen linked below some signatures.)
RE: cpap vs apap mode - trish6hundred - 04-27-2018
¸Hi sheepless,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
good luck with CPAP therapy.
RE: cpap vs apap mode - sheepless - 04-27-2018
thank you trish6hundred and the many other selfless folks sharing their experience here. It's a wonderful thing you do and I look forward to learning from you all.