CPAP Machine or Auto Machine?
Which type of CPAP machine is best for me?
This is a very common question, and simply answered by referring to the table below;
| CPAP Machine or Auto Machine. Which is most suitable for me? |
CPAP Machine
|
Auto CPAP (APAP) Machine
|
| I know the pressure I need |
 |
|
| I have a doctor’s prescription (script) |
|
|
| I do not know the pressure I need |
 |
|
| It has been more than 3 years since my last sleep study |
|
|
CPAP Machine or Auto Machine?
CPAP MACHINE
CPAP machines put out a fixed (constant) pressure based on a sleep study and doctor’s prescription. This is the minimum pressure required to keep the airway open during sleep.
Even if you are still awake, the machine will still put out this pressure.
If you do not know the treatment pressure you need, we can’t supply a cpap machine as we don’t know what to set it to.
AUTO MACHINE
The auto machine will adjust up or down as required between a pre-set range. So if you are still awake, the machine will put out a lower pressure and only increase when needed during sleep. Also the pressure required is higher when sleeping on your back. The auto machine will cope with these changes by varying the pressure automatically.
“In my personal opinion, this is more comfortable and smarter way of providing the required therapy."
In the future, the treatment pressure required may change due to weight gain or weight loss, ageing, loss of muscle tone in the throat, etc. The auto machine will keep adjusting automatically to the correct pressure, often without the need for another sleep study.
Simple Car Analogy
Imagine you have the choice of a car, manual or automatic.
A manual car with only one gear (is there such a thing these days?) is not the most efficient or smart way to drive.
An automatic car will select the correct gear. An auto machine will select the correct pressure all the time. Easy.
In my opinion, it is the same with cpap therapy, Auto (APAP) is better than fixed (CPAP) pressure for many reasons.
The price difference is only $200. which would you choose?
