If you’ve just been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea—or if you suspect you have sleep apnea but haven’t been diagnosed—you might be wondering what the differences between an APAP and a CPAP are. Most individuals suffering from sleep apnea use a CPAP machine, but it isn’t the best option for everyone. Individual treatment requirements may differ depending on your specific requirements. Some individuals with sleep apnea will benefit more from a BiPAP machine, while others will benefit more from an APAP.

In this article, we’ll explore what an APAP machine is, how it works, why it may be the best sleep apnea device for you, how an APAP differs from a CPAP, and the advantages and disadvantages of APAP therapy.

What Exactly Is an APAP and How Does It Work?

APAP helps individuals with sleep apnea breathe simpler and improve sleep by keeping your airways open with pressurised air, adjusting the amount of pressure on a breath-by-breath basis, even as those needs alter throughout the night as you start moving in and out of the numerous stages of sleep or change sleeping positions.

An APAP employs algorithms that detect minute changes in your breathing and adjust itself to offer the best pressure setting for your particular sleep apnea therapy needs. The general concept behind CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP is the same: pressurised, filtered air prevents your airway from collapsing during sleep, enabling you to breathe normally.

You will be able to breathe without apnea events waking you up if you use a sleep apnea machine such as an APAP. Apneas are breathing pauses that cause multiple nighttime awakenings per hour all throughout the night. UARS, a precursor to sleep apnea that tightens rather than blocks your airway, can also be treated with sleep apnea machines.

What’s the Distinction Between APAP and CPAP?

The primary distinction between CPAP and APAP is that CPAPs have a fixed pressure, whereas APAPs automatically adapt to different pressures based on your nightly needs. The air pressure delivered by both APAP and CPAP machines works in the same way, providing a continuous stream of pressurised air to keep your airway from collapsing. The constant flow of air allows those suffering from sleep apnea to breathe freely throughout the night, resulting in a restful night’s sleep.

Single Pressure Setting for CPAP

The standard for treating most instances of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is CPAP therapy, which offers a continuous, stable flow of air at a single pressure. This is the precise level of air pressure needed to keep your airway clear of obstructions. A CPAP user will have their personal pressure setting, which will be ascertained by their sleep specialist during the CPAP titration study.

If necessary, the set air pressure level can be adjusted in the future. For instance, if your sleep apnea becomes worse and you require more air pressure to clear your airway, you can increase your pressure. These pressure changes, however, must be prescribed and changed in the sleep clinic by your doctor or a sleep technician.

Automatic Range of Pressures for APAP

Rather than operating at a fixed pressure, APAP observes the respiratory activity in order to provide the lowest level necessary to reduce respiratory disturbances. Algorithms are intended to increase pressure when events occur and gradually decrease pressure if no events occur for a period of time.

An APAP’s pressure automatically alters as required to provide the minimal pressure needed to sustain your airway. Your physician will determine your minimum and maximum air pressure setting range. Following that, sophisticated algorithms discern which level of air pressure you require at any given time during the night, and the APAP machine makes the necessary adjustments.

Because an APAP machine is based on a range, no additional titration study is required to change your pressure setting.

Advantages of APAP

Perhaps the most significant advantage of using an APAP is that you do not have to stay on the fixed higher pressure of CPAP machines for the duration of a single night. Using an APAP machine reduces your overall pressure significantly. This variable pressure setting may provide more comfort and a better night’s sleep for some people who are sensitive to higher air pressures (for example, if you are claustrophobic).

If your air pressure requirements change from night to night, APAP can help. If you have seasonal or situational allergies or a cold, for example, you may require more or less air pressure depending on your level of congestion.

Because alcohol is a depressant, you may require more air pressure that night to compensate for the resulting flaccidity of your muscle tissue.

The APAP can compensate for these conditions on its own, whereas the CPAP and BiPAP cannot.

  • You’re covered if your breathing changes during the night.
  • If you’re sick, an APAP
  • Different settings are needed for body changes.

Disadvantages of APAP

  • Certain CPAP wearers with certain health conditions should not use APAP.
  • Air leaks

Which Is Best for You?

A CPAP machine may be sufficient if your breathing patterns do not change significantly during the night or with changes in position. Because they can detect subtle changes in your sleep behaviour and sleep positions that necessitate different pressure settings, APAPs are frequently superior to CPAPs. For example, if you have apnea episodes more frequently on your back than on your side or stomach, the APAP machine can adjust the air pressure accordingly. An APAP can treat your sleep apnea and provide relief from choking, snoring, and drowsiness caused by this common sleep disorder.