What is the difference between CPAP and auto CPAP?

How does CPAP differ from Auto CPAP?

For obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which causes frequent breathing pauses during sleeping, CPAP therapy is extensively utilised. Continuous airflow from CPAP equipment keeps the airway open, preventing these disruptions. However, different CPAP devices have different characteristics and functions. Standard or fixed-pressure CPAP and Auto CPAP (APAP), also known as automatic or auto-adjusting CPAP, are the main variants. Understanding the differences between these machines is essential for choosing the best one for your needs.

1. Pressure adjustments are crucial

   A fixed-pressure CPAP machine provides a constant air pressure throughout the night, independent of the user's needs. Sleep studies are usually done on CPAP patients to establish the best pressure setting for airway maintenance. The machine's pressure is adjusted and stays constant overnight.

   Instead, an Auto CPAP machine adjusts pressure in real time to the user's breathing patterns. Advanced sensors on APAP machines can detect even slight airway changes. These sensors alert users to airway collapse or apnoea. The gadget regulates pressure to preserve airway openness during these episodes. When the user's breathing stabilises, the machine adjusts the pressure for comfort.

   CPAP maintains a constant pressure, whereas ResMed Auto CPAP adjusts the pressure during the night to meet the patient's needs.



2. Comfortable and Compliant

   CPAP therapy is successful, but some people may have trouble adjusting to a constant pressure, especially if the pressure is high. Breathing against a high pressure might make falling asleep uncomfortable. Air pressure or discomfort during exhale may limit therapeutic compliance in some people.

   Auto CPAP (APAP): APAP machines adapt to the user's breathing needs, making them more comfortable. The machine can start with a lower pressure when the user slips off to sleep and progressively increase it for deeper sleep. This pressure change can improve respiration and therapeutic adherence. CPAP machines are ideal for people with variable pressure needs or positional sleep apnoea, where pressure needs alter with sleep position.

   APAP machines automatically alter pressure levels to meet the user's needs, making them more comfortable. This feature may enhance compliance over fixed-pressure CPAP machines.



3. Usage Flexibility

   A sleep study determines the pressure of a fixed-pressure CPAP machine. Importantly, this setting may not adequately account for user condition changes over time. For instance, weight swings may require a healthcare expert to manually alter the machine's settings to meet blood pressure needs.

   Auto CPAP (APAP) machines can adapt to your changing demands without a new sleep study or manual modifications. The APAP device adjusts to weight, alcohol, and sleeping position variations that affect apnoea severity. Long-term use of APAP equipment is easier, especially as needs change.

   APAP and CPAP machines differ in their adaptation to user conditions. APAP machines automatically alter pressure, increasing adaptability. But CPAP machines need manual adjustments to meet these changes.



4. Cost Fixed pressure

   CPAP machines are cheaper than APAP machines because to their simpler technology. CPAP machines produce consistent pressure; thus, they don't need complicated sensors or algorithms like APAP devices.

   Auto CPAP (APAP): Advanced features and pressure adjustment make APAP units more expensive. Many customers justify the higher cost for APAP equipment' comfort and versatility.

   CPAP machines are cheaper than APAP devices. Comfort and long-term adaptation may be improved by APAP equipment.

One major difference between CPAP and Auto CPAP is air pressure delivery. CPAP machines are simpler and cheaper due to their set pressure. However, Auto CPAP machines adjust pressure to the user's breathing needs, improving comfort and flexibility. Fixed-pressure CPAP machines may provide patients with consistent pressure. Auto CPAP is better for people who need varying pressure settings or want a more flexible and comfortable experience. The choice between CPAP and Auto CPAP depends on personal preferences, medical needs, and finances.